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THE 



JEWELER'S HAND-BOOK, 

CONTAINING 

THIRTY PRACTICAL METHODS 

TOR 

(Salfampg, €hdxa plating anb Cfllormg 

WITH 

GOLD, SILVER, AND COPPER, 

©n all fetalis of petals, 

WITHO UT ANY APPARATUS, AND B Y MEANS OF INGLE 
AND COMBINED ELEMENTS OR BATTERIES, 

WITH AN EXTRA CHAPTER SHOWP ^ THE RECOVERY OF THE 
GOLD AND SxLVER. 

Practically demonstrated and embellished with Six Engravings, 

BY PROF. RUDOLPH HERB, 

OF ALBANY. 
WITH AN APPENDING REGISTER OP 

BUSINESS CARDS 

OF THE BEST AND MOST RECOMMENDABLE 

WHOLESALE AND MANUFACTURING FIRMS 

Of Watches, Jewelry, Clocks, Silyer and Plated Wares, Ac. 



ALBANY: 

J. MUNSELL, 78 STATE STREET 

1855, 




4*i 



*■. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by 

RUDOLPH HERR, - 

In the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the United 
States, in and for the Northern District of New York. 



1 



,rf 




TO THE PUBLIC. y£ 



By presenting this little book to the public we pur- 
ported to publish the result of our practical observa- 
tions and experiments for the benefit of the public in 
general and the trade. We do not claim the privilege 
of having discovered the origin of the Electro-Galvanic 
power, but beg to state that we have since its first 
lotice, 1840, closely followed its progress by experi- 
menting most of the proposed methods, to assume the 
responsibility of an opinion as to their particular value 
in a practical point of view. 

Simultaneous with the accounts of the first experi- 
ments of the theory of mating the galvanic agent a 
conveyance of transporting dissolved metals, we be- 
friended us with the idea of what incalculable import- 
ance a practical method, fully competent to meet all 
demands of the market, would prove; especially as 



* TO THE PUBLIC. 

we always cherished the hope that, sooner or later, a 
process would be discovered to substitute the old school 
practice of Fire Gilding. 

Previous to the discovery of the wonders produced 
by the Voltaic Column, the trade was possessed of 
certain mediums to effect gilding by boiling metallic 
articles in gold containing chemical combinations, 
but as those manipulations did not satisfy the critical 
taste of the public, consequently, the trade had to fall 
back upon the old practice, which was based on no 
science, but on mere mechanical tricks, the property 
of some expert practitioners, who by this means mono- 
polized a profession supported by insignificant secrets. 

As, in the course of time, several publications rela- 
tive to the progress of the Electro-Galvanic experi- 
ments attracted the attention of eminent philosophers, 
remarkable new phenomena were added to the original, 
all of which conclusively led to the belief, that science 
combined with energy, would soon find an instrument 
adequate to the theory, to. produce with certainty, by 
following strict rules, an efficient result. As a matter 
of course, every experiment showed a different appa- 
ratus, and every operation different proceedings, to 
obtain the desired result. We have therefore spared 



TO THE PUBLIC. 



neither time nor money, and subjected those methods 
standing best recommended to the closest examination, 
a synopsis of which will be found in the different parts 
of this book, and have occasionally pointed out certain 
operations, which we thought proper to patronize, but 
in all cases have only favored such as will come handy 
to the practical mechanic. 

Many were the complaints made to us by persons 
connected with the profession of Galvanic plating, 
that their operations varied so much, that no uniform 
work was to be obtained, and some (probably entirely 
disappointed) went so far as to call the greatest disco- 
very of the age, a consummate humbug. 

To the former we would say, that they will attain 
thrir purpose, if they will but adhere to the strict laws 
of Galvanism, as laid down in the course of this book; 
and to those, who so indiscriminately condemned a 
theory recognized by the whole world, we should 
intimate, that, if some attention was paid to the details 
of our experiments and a new and fair trial afterwards 
granted to their apparatus, we warrant a change of 
opinion. 

We are not enough of an egotist as to pretend to 
be the only individual fully acquainted with the prin- 



° TO THE PUBLIC. 

ciples of Galvanism, as all our knowledge is derived 
from hundreds of experiments, until we arrived at a 
point to form a decided opinion, which we took leave 
to promulgate before the public in this limited number 
of pages. 

We say once more^if your results should not prove 
equal with our accounts, do not despair of final success, 
as the causes of your disappointment are often trifling, 
which, by an attentive perusal of these pages, can be 
detected and removed. 

We conclude our introduction by wishing, that the 
reader might consider this pamphlet a guide to his 
operations, as then the aim of our fondest hope is 
realized, and the highest testimony allowed to our 
feeble efforts. 

Placing our readiness to answer all inquiries in 

reference to further information, at the disposal of the 

reader, we respectfully commit these pages to the kind 

judgment of the public. 

The Author. 
JLlbany., March, 1855. 



INDEX 



Preface, Page 3 



PART L 

Chapter I. To gild by the single constant chain . . " 9 

" II. To silver by the single constant chain " 22 
M III. To deposit copper by the single constant 

chain " 26 



PART II. 
Chapter I. Gilding By contact and without any 

Apparatus „ " 28 

" II. To silver without apparatus " 31 

" III To deposit copper by contact and with- 
out apparatus " 34 

PART III. 

Chapter I. To gild by the co-operative of combined 

Elements or Batteries ■ 35* 

" II. Silvering by means of Batteries " 60 

" III. Coppering by galvanic Batteries-. " 6Z 



8 



INDEX. 



PART IV. 

Chapter I. Practical use of the sulphate of copper 

Battery Page 64 

" II. The protected sulphate of copper 

Battery " 71 

" III. The combined protected sulphate of 

copper Battery " 74 

" IV. Grove's Battery " 77 

" V. Smee's Battery " 86 

•* VI. Coloring of gold, (galvanic alloy.).... " 94 

Appendix. To regain gold or silver from solutions. " 96 

Conclusion " 100 

Advertisements " 103 



JEWELER'S HAND-BOOK. 



PART I. 

To deposit Gold, Silver, or Copper, upon any me- 
tallic Surface, under the co-operation of galvanic 
Elements. 

CHAPTER L 

Under this head we i d to treat upon the three 
following methods: 

1st. To gild by the single constant chain. 

2d. To gild by contact, and without any apparatus. 

3d. To gild by means of combined elements, or 
with so called Batteries. 

It will be unnecessary to tire our reader with a vo- 
luminous theory of the origin or substance of the above 
named agents, serviceable to obtain a good golden sur- 
face, as those acquainted with physics already know 
sufficiently their several constructions, and those de- 
sirous of becoming acquainted with this important 
discovery will find satisfactory explanation when we 
treat of the synopsis of these three methods. 
2 



10 jeweler's hand-book. 

The merit of the discovery is due to Prof. De La 
Rive, of Geneva (Switzerland), who rendered the first 
account of his practical' experiments in 1840, and as 
his endeavors were chiefly devoted to method No. 1, 
we shall not hesitate any longer to subject the result 
of his labors to our present definition. 

He used some animal bladder for the purpose which 
was filled with a solution of gold in aqua regia 
(aqua regra is a combination of one part nitric acid 
and two parts muriatic acid), very much thinned with 
rain or distilled water. 

This bladder was suspended into a glass jar of suffi- 
cient capacity to hold it, and this jar contained water 
acidulated with five or six drops of sulphuric acid. 

In this water a circular plate of bright zinc, to 
which a silver or platina wire is fastened sufficiently 
long to reach into the solution contained in the blad- 
der, was deposited, and with this wire the article to 
be gilded was most intimately connected. 

By this manipulation the article fastened to the 
wire acts as the negative pole, and the zinc in the 
acidulated water is the positive pole, and both poles 
united by the wire form an element and consequently 
create electric activity and this electric life is termed 
Galvanism. 

Although this element or single chain produces a 
very weak galvanic current, it effects a deposition of 
a sufficient quantity of gold upon the metallic article 
fixed to the wire. 



JEWELERS HAND-BOOK. 11 

The stream dismembering the dissolved gold of its 
connection with the acids and deposits it upon the 
object at the upper end of the wire, meanwhile the 
zinc decomposes the liquid matter in the jar. A matter 
of the highest importance in every respect, is a most 
scrupulous cleanliness of the article to be gilded. 

The same must be free of all dust and oxid, and be 
cleaned to this end with some sour water (mixed with 
cream of tartar) as the success of the operation is 
entirely dependent upon the clean and bright surface 
of the article. 

It was then brought into contact with the gold 
solution for about two minutes and at the end of that 
time it appeared covered with gold. It was then 
taken out and dried with some fine linen rags, and 
this operation repeated until the golden layer was of 
sufficient strength. 

The gold thrown down by this galvanic agent was 
of a very soft description, and showed a very high 
yellow color, almost too rich, as for durability, it was 
fuliy qualified to stand finishing, but to amend the 
color the ordinary expedients could not be used, as the 
different layers of the gold did not adhere firm enough 
and could consequently not bear the test of jewelers' 
colors. 

By this means silver and brass could be gilded; 
other metals require a different preparation. The 
following is an outlinp of such an element; 



12 



jeweler's hand-book. 
No. 1. 




A The jar. 
B The bladder. 
C The zinc. 



D The wire. 

E 4 pieces of wood fixed to the hoop to hold 
the bladder upon the border of the jar. 



Mr. De La Rive found it to be a great promotion 
towards creating electricity, if the zinc was amalga- 
mated with quicksilver, which can be effected by 
rinsing the zinc in a solution of thirty parts of water 
and one part of sulphuric acid, and then brush it with 
quicksilver. All other metals, such as zinc, tin, 
German silver, iron, steel, and bronze, must be covered 
with copper, before any gold can be deposited. 

We have framed another chapter for the prepara- 
tion and use of copper solutions, and refer the reader's 
patience to that part of this book. 



13* 

If we rest one moment to examine the history of 
Mr. De La Rive's discovery, we are astonished at the 
rapid and successful progress of the experiments of 
others who undertook to explore this invention for the- 
benefit of commerce and science. 

Messrs. Elkington and De Ruolz, deserve due men- 
tion, as we owe to their exertions several new and 
most interesting features relative to electro-galvaniG 
experiments. 

The aforenamed gentlemen attracted byRrof. De 
La Rive's publication of his "notice sur un pro cede 
electro-chimique ayant pour objel de dorer Pargent et 
le laiton" have added such perfections to the original 
idea, as to make it a safe instrument in the* hands of 
every mechanic, and practically to substitute' the an* 
cient manner of fire-gilding (gold dissolved in quick- 
silver). 

The scientific treatises of Messrs. Elkington and -De 
Ruolz show a connection of cyanide of potassium 
(fusse and granulated) to absorb the gold in aqua 
regia, a most useful stimulus to effect a stronger 
deposition. It cannot be denied that by the addition 
of this chemical and poisonous salt, an advantage of 
the greatest consequence has been gained, as we shall 
take occasion to define in the proper chapter. 

But on the other hand a great many obstacles have 
come to light until the actual proportion of the 
cyanide was ascertained. It is a matter of every day 
occurrence that a gilded article will be found covered 



14 

with a brown surface, or spots, and therefore we have 
made the object of this book a preventive against all 
difficulties, by introducing proper rules of proceeding. 

We shall now abstain from reciting any more of 
the history of experiments of eminent chemists and 
give to our readers a practical prescription for a good 
gold solution, with the apparatus necessary to trans- 
port its contents. 

Two dwts. of gold at least twenty-two carats fine, 
rolled out as thin as possible and cut or torn in very 
small pieces. 

This gold must be collected in some strong fire 
proof porcelain vessel containing one and a half 
ounces of aqua regia (nitric and muriatic acids), and 
evaporate the contents over a spirit lamp guarding 
against any over boiling. 

As soon as all free acids have evaporated and no- 
thing of the liquor is left but the gold chloride, a 
solution of cyanide of potassium (three-fourths of an 
ounce cyanide dissolved in half a pint rain water) 
will be added and the whole of the mixture poured 
into a glass vessel where it shall be kept. 

It would be advisable at such operations to avoid 
the vapor of particularly the cyanide as the effects of 
it operate very injuriously upon the brains. 

The so prepared solution does not require any fur- 
ther handling and is fully ready for use. 

We are now about to describe an apparatus best 
suited as a single element (constant chain) to deposit 
dissolved metals upon other metals. 



jeweler's hand-book. 



15 



We tried most of the known single constant chains, 
but none afforded more convenience than the one we 
are about to delineate, and to facilitate its construc- 
tion we give a correct drawing in addition. 



No. 2. 




A A A square box of oak wood well varnished, the size of which 
must be according to the articles to be operated upon. At 
the bottom of the same will be seen a copper bar (B), 
which must be fastened water tight, and ascends two inches 
inside the box, leaving a tail of half inch to communicate 
with the channel, D. This bar bears, inside of the box, 
a grate of copper sheet or copper wire, upon which a cast 
zinc plate (H) rests. This box is fixed to a strong board 
(C), in which the channel (D) is perceptible — and this 
channel connects with a small cavity (C) on the other 
end. This channel is filled with quicksilver, through 
which a thin copper wire, marked with little points, is laid 
to effect an intimate connection between B and E, strong 
copper staffs. 

From the cavity (C) the staff E arises, bearing a hori- 
zontal and moveable arm (F) , likewise of coppe*. to which 



16 

the articles to be galvanized are suspended by means of 
platina or strongly gilt copper wire. 
G A smaller box, destined to receive the gold solution, is made 
of oak wood, the size of which is made proportionate with 
the exterior box, leaving a space of one and a half inches, 
to avoid contact with the outer apparatus. The bottom 
of this box is hermetically closed by a bottom of bladder or 
parchment, G'. Four wooden arms (G") support the in- 
ner box, which must be kept at a distance of at least one 
inch from the zinc plate (H), and could be still further 
distanced by pushing small blocks under the supporters. 
The bladder or parchment can always be kept in good 
shape, by drawing strings across the bottom (G'), forming 
little squares. 

I Is a spout to let out the liquid from box A, when the work is 
done. 

Our readers will perceive that articles of very large 
size could be gilded by this apparatus, and the same 
always be kept in good working order when box A 
is promptly emptied and occasionally revarnished and 
in case the bottom G' should get a hole by accident, a 
small piece of bladder when moist pressed upon the 
hole will repair the damage, but such repair will 
never be required if said bottom is cleaned with clear 
water after use, and then dried in a not over warm 
room.. 

It will be of moment to select the bars of tolerable 
strength particularly E and B as it will be a prevents 
ive against any obstruction of the galvanic current. 

The ends of E and B must be well amalgamated 
where they communicate with the quicksilver, as well 
as the wire in the channel £. 



jeweler's hand-book. 



17 



The size of the zinc plate ought to correspond with 
the object to be galvanized and must be likewise 
amalgamated. Having described the apparatus and 
the solution we shall now describe the actual process 
of gilding. 

If the channel is filled with quicksilver, the plate of 
zinc is deposited upon the grate, the box G is filled with 
a solution of salt water(one gallon water one-half pound 
salt): then the smaller box containing the gold solution 
is suspended into the larger one, so that the solution of 
gold inside forms a level with the salt water outside, 
to prevent any hydrostatic pressure. The object is 
then surrounded with platina or gilt copper wire and 
suspended to arm F in a horizontal position avoiding 
contact with the sides of the box. 

The article remains one or two minutes in the appar- 
atus and is then taken out, when it will show a slight 
coating of gold: it must then be cleaned with rain 
water and cream of tartar and the same operation be 
repeated until the color of the gold satisfies the ope- 
rator. 

Every additional operation efTects a new layer, and 
of course an addition in weight and by this means 
one will be able to exhaust the solution "ad libitum." 
Every article so gilded stands the strongest of jewel- 
er's color and the hardest process of polishing. We 
had occasion to observe the validity of this process in 
factories where buttons and plates after being gilded 
by this apparatus were pressed into various shapes 



18 jeweler's hand-book. 

without sustaining any injury as regards their golden 
appearance. Round objects such as goblets must be 
turned several times, as the side nearest to the zinc 
plate generally takes most of the gold. 

When left long in the solution things will appear 
brown, but cream of tartar readily cleans them and 
polishing will remove the remainder of this brown 
surface. As the gilding is effected by a liquid it pen- 
etrates and deposits its metals in places which could 
not be gilded by the process of fire plating. 

The practical value of the method will be made 
apparent as every object gilded by this element when 
polished is ready for the market and no coloring or 
gilt waxing is wanted. The gold is so strong as to 
stand the test of the strong French color, composed of 
alum, saltpetre and cooking salt, without injury. 

If it is desired that only certain parts should take 
the gold, for instance, the inside of a goblet or cup, 
the rest of it must be covered with an indissoluble sub- 
stance a prescription of which we have here annexed. 

Five pounds of common brown amber must be 
warmed over a slow charcoal fire until it becomes so 
soft as to tear in threads, and then add one pound of lin- 
seed varnish, and stir it well with a piece of iron and 
when boiling take it from the fire and pour five pounds 
of turpentine to it and filter while hot. To remove 
the coating of this varnish use a mixture of alcohol 
and turpentine which restores the former color and 
brightness. 



jeweler's hand-book. 19 

There is yet a different way remaining to gild or 
silver the inside of goblets, &c, without covering the 
outside with the aforesaid composition. 

A piece of bladder is taken which contains a piece 
of zinc connected with a well nealed copper wire, 
sufficiently long to wind around the goblet. 

The inside of the goblet is rilled with gold solution 
and the nealed copper wire which bears at the other 
end the lump of zinc, is now wound around the gob- 
let and the bladder filled with salt water encloses the 
zinc and is then hermetically closed and suspended 
over the goblet so as to reach into the hollow of the 
goblet. 

A contact between the bladder and the gold solu- 
tion will promote the current, and if the solution of 
gold has been warmed to forty degrees Cel. previ- 
ous the process will be performed in much less time 
and the color of the gold heightened. 

As soon as found sufficiently covered, the goblet is 
washed in rain water made sour with some cream of 
tartar, and is ready to be polished. This method of gild- 
ing by a single element (constant chain) meets all de- 
mands of the trade as for durability, beauty, and cheap- 
ness, although at the same time we do not mean 
to impart the idea that these elements entirely substi- 
tute the use of batteries. An additional advantage is 
gained by the use of certain batteries (combined 
elements), as the solution is always kept at the same 
scale of concentration and does not require a reprepara- 
tion, as we shall show when arrived at that head. 



20 

Solutions used for single elements exhaust them- 
selves by long or frequent use and fresh gold chloride 
must be added to keep the solution concentrated. The 
fresh chloride requires only one-fourth the cyanide 
used at first, as the average of cyanide already con- 
tained in the solution reanimated by the addition is 
capable of absorbing the chloride and transferring it 
to the negative pole. But to make sure of the neces- 
sary quantity it would be advisable to dissolve one- 
half ounce cyanide of potassium in one-half pint of 
rain water and add as much of this solution as will 
dissolve all the matter which has settled at the bottom, 
after which the solution will become quite clear, show- 
ing a light yellow color. 

It must unquestionably be admitted that the electro 
gilding has every advantage over the old practice of 
fire gilding, as the latter process consumes more mate- 
rial, more time, and in some instances could not be 
performed at all, while the liquid gold solution enters 
the finest cavities, and deposits its contents there as 
w r ell as on the most even surface. It will be welcome 
to learn the pecuniary advantage of these two opera- 
tions: 

One dozen watch cases can be fire plated in two 
days by a good hand, while they can be galvanized 
equally as well in one hour. 

It will take 2 dwts. of fine gold, worth $2*50 
Quicksilver, gilding wax, &c, 50 

$3-00 



JEWELER'S HAND-BOOK. 21 

A solution of cyanide of gold will gild twelve 
watch cases, holding twenty grains of gold, at an ex- 
pense of $1*10, showing thus a saving of $1*90 on 
one dozen cases. Supposing the fire plater to receive 
$2 (10 hours labor) per day, the cost for gold and 
labor will be $7 — and if galvanized, we calculate for 
the same work, $1*30. We think that economy like 
this should greatly reduce the old practice, and to our 
rejoicing we would state, that the greatest factories in 
this country, and in Europe, have adopted the galva- 
nic agent in place of the ancient fire plating. 

It is likewise due to say, that a fire plated article will 
stand five years moderate wear, while the galvanic plate 
will last but half the time, but the cheapness attending 
it will admit of its being plated over three times, and 
still being the cheapest yet. Before w T e close this 
chapter and proceed to silvering with the single cle- 
ment, we take leave to state that we gilded a piece 
of copper sheet of tolerably strong make and worked 
the same into a small cup, and after polishing it well 
we filled it with aqua fortis and boiled it upwards of 
fifteen minutes without injury to the cup. 



CHAPTER II. 

To Silver with the single constant Chain. 

As the apparatus used for silvering is exactly the 
same as we described in chapter first, page 15, we 
shall not lose a moment to acquaint our readers with 
the preparations of the several solutions answering 
the purpose. 

1 One half ounce of silver coin is dissolved in one half 
ounce of chemical pure nitric acid, and when dissolved 
thin it with one half pint of rain water, and then one 
fourth ounce table salt, or one half ounce muriatic 
acid, added to the whole, will precipitate the silver to 
the bottom of the vessel in the shape of a snow white 
substance. This substance (silver chloride) is dissolved 
by a solution of three ounces of cyanide of potassium 
(granulated), in one quart rain water, the chloride of 
silver having been washed previously to free it of the 
nitric acid, and then another solution containing two 
ounces of sal ammoniac is poured into it, and the whole 
must now be boiled for at least one hour, refilling the 
evaporated water, and then being filtered must show 
a bright yellow color, and is then ready for use. 



jeweler's hand book. 23 

As many practical men will find it difficult to han- 
dle so many materials in order to obtain a good solu- 
tion, we have found another composition in preference 
to the above, as any kind of silver will answer, no 
boiling being necessary, the addition of spirit of ara- 
inoniae to be dispensed with and the whole being just 
as good as desired. 

One ounce of alloyed silver to be dissolved in a 
sufficient quantity of nitric acid; when dissolved one 
half pint of rain water is added; we then pour in mu- 
riatic acid as long as any boiling is perceptible; we 
then pour off the liquid, and rinse it in clear rain wa- 
ter till all the bluish tint is vanished, and the white 
substance settled at the bottom; we then add a solu- 
tion of three ounces cyanide until the whole of the 
substance is dissolved, making a light yellow mixture, 
and is ready for use. 

As a general rule, silvering is effected easier and in 
much less time than any other galvanic process, and 
half of the electric power is required to throw silver 
on a metallic article, and never will it be necessary to 
warm the solution, as the ordinary temperature is suf- 
ficient. 

To effect frosted silvering, the article must remain 
about one quarter of an hour in the solution, then be 
dipped into boiling rain water and be dried in the air. 
If, on the other hand, it would be desirable to have it 
bright, brushing or rubbing with cream of tartar will 
produce it. 



24 jeweler's hand-book. 

It will be of the utmost importance to clean arti- 
cles most scrupulously, and handle them always with 
wet fingers, as a great many spots will arise from 
handling them uncarefully. The silver deposited ad- 
heres tight, and can not be worked through by po- 
lishing, hammering or stretching. 

It might happen that a fresh solution would produce 
a grey instead of a white silver, or perhaps it might 
blacken the article, but the operator must not despair 
of success; then, in the first case, cleaning with cream 
of tartar or white sand will suffice to remove the de- 
posit, and in the last case a lump of soda precipitated 
into the solution will annihilate the iron connected 
with the cyanide, and the fresh and well cleaned arti- 
cle will show a good white silver color when taken 
out a second time. 

Although silvering is a very easy and quick mani- 
pulation, still certain rules must be observed to make 
sure of a good result. German silver goods must be 
suspended with lead wire, as otherwise however strong 
the silver coat may be, it will peel away and not stand 
finishing. Steel, iron and bronze must be coppered first 
and suspended with platina wires. 

.Steel spectacles must lose their blue coat as no sil- 
ver would remain otherwise. The same rule must be 
observed with regard to steel peus if blue, and when 
brown they must be washed with nitric acid in thirty 
parts of water; in the former case a mixture of one 



jeweler's hand-book. 25 

part S'lphuric acid, thirty parts water, will remove 
the blue outside and restore the original color. 

As the apparatus described and illustrated as No. 2 
is fully qualified to transport and deposit gold, silver 
and copper, we refer the reader to those pages relative 
to the use of the single element (constant chain), and 
proceed now to acquaint our friends with the necessary 
information to prepare a good, copper solution.. 



CHAPTER III. 

To deposit Copper by means of the Single Element 
(Constant Chain). 

The main object of applying a copper surface to 
other metals is' to protect them against the injurious 
influences of a moist atmosphere. 

It was proposed in the Mechanics' Magazine, vol. 
31, page 162, to cover steel, iron, brass, &c, after 
they are "well cleaned, by the so called salt of copper, 
which material is too well known to admit of a new 
analysis. This dissolved salt of copper was applied 
by means of a brush and dried over charcoal heat and 
looked more like oxided iron than copper. Another 
proposition, to use a mixture of blue vitriol and ver- 
digris, was of no better result. In both cases the coat- 
ing was not proof against oxid. 

Before we detail our prescriptions, we deem it of 
moment to inform our readers that cast iron goods, if 
very much covered with rust, must be freed from this 
oxid by the following chemical composition: 

Ninety-eight parts of muriatic acid and water 45* 
Be and two parts vitriol of copper, in which they 
must remain until all rust is removed* 



27 

One ounce copper dissolved in sufficient aqua regia 
until air acids have evaporated and then cleared with 
eight ounces cyanide, in one quart rain water, until 
all blue color is gone, and the appearance is like clear 
water. 

Another less complicated preparation will be the 
following solution: 

One half ounce of blue vitriol crushed very fine and 
dissolved in one pint hot rain water and the blue li- 
quor dismembered by a solution of one and a half 
ounces cyanide dissolved in eight ounces rainwater. 

Apparatus No. 2 will serve as an agent to deposit 
this copper, but the solution must be warmed to thirty 
deg. Cel , and will generally take six times longer 
than the operation of gilding or silvering. 



PART II. 

To Gild by Contact and without any Apparatus. 

CHAPTER I. 

Monsieur de Frankenstein, in his lectures, claims 
the merit of having first and successfully suggested the 
fdea of producing an electro galvanic action by sim- 
ply bringing into contact two metals in a compara- 
tively neutral solution, and without the influence of 
animating or exciting acidulated liquids, and even 
wiihout the otherwise indispensable union of the two 
poles. As the experiments of M. de F. must be re- 
ported satisfactory, we shall not tarry to illustrate the 
proceedings. 

One dwt. of gold dissolved in aqua regia; (here 
equal parts of nitric and muriatic acids); evaporate all 
acids and dissolve in a separate vessel one fourth ounce 
of cyanide of potassium, (fusse), one eighth ounce of 
corbonate of Kali one fourth ounce of cooking salt, 
altogether dissolved in one quart of water; then the 
gold chloride is added. This mixture must then be 
boiled, and filtered afterwards. 

This solution, although very complicated, will pro- 
duce the wished for result, but as the ingredients of 



jeweler's hand-book. 



29 



this composition are too numerous and rather costly, 
we have to recommend the following method, which 
will be found equally as efficient. 

One dwt. of gold chloride dissolved in one quart of 
water already containing three fourths of an ounce of 
cyanide, three fourths of an ounce cooking salt, one 
half ounce chrystalized soda. 

The prevailing yellow 7 color will soon disappear and 
the mixture become as clear as spring water. 

The following is an illustration of the apparatus: 

No. 3. 




1. A porcelain vessel containing the solution. 

2. A strip of zinc. 3. A plate of zinc holding No. 2. 
4. A spirit lamp. 



The article to be gilded is clasped to the end of the 
strip No. 2, which reaches into the vessel: the article 



30 jeweler's hand-book. 

must be sufficiently covered with the solution and the 
end of the zinc strip, which holds the article to be 
gilded, must be well scraped so as to appear as bright 
as possible, and by this means the gilding will be done 
in two or three minutes. Another still simpler mani- 
pulation will be the following, purporting the same 
result: 

A fireproof, earthen or china vessel, containing one 
of the above mentioned solutions, heated to forty deg. 
Cel, the article to be gilded is heated to the solution, 
and touched with a bright piece of zinc will imme- 
diately show a golden coat. 

All metals (J^erman silver and steel excepted) will 
receive a beautiful color, but these two metalb will 
have to undergo a washing in a mixture of one part 
of nitric acid and thirty parts water (clear), and then 
they will be fully ready for gilding. 

We headed this chapter by saying, gilding without 
any apparatus: to prevent misconstruction, we would 
beg leave to state that no work can be done without 
tools, and that a strip of zinc is not exactly an appa- 
ratus but a mere tool, and as the practice excludes 
the use of single and combined elements or any other 
galvanic apparatus, we thought ourselves justified by 
calling the operation gilding without any apparatus; 
but for the sake of verifying our assertion, we shall 
treat our reader to a manner of gilding where not even 
zinc is requisite. But this process, although it has 
its merits, would hardly be commendable, as the pre- 



jeweler's hand-book. 31 

paration of the solution is too costly and the gilding 
stands no handling. 

Dissolve one dwt. of fine gold in aqua regia, over a 
moderate heat, until it becomes purple, then mix the 
gold salt (chloride) with one part rain water, then add 
a solution of one half ounce carbonate of kali, until 
the liquor becomes turbid and then of a greenish color. 
This solution has to be warmed, and when boiling is 
ready for use. By this means well cleaned objects of 
brass, copper, zinc and tin can be nicely gilded if sus- 
pended from a bright copper wire for a moment. 

Silver and German silver require iron wires. 

Steel and iron have first to be coppered. 

The kind reader will now conclude that the head of 
this chapter is no exaggeration, as it finds its verifi- 
cation in ihe last named process, which does not ex- 
hibit the presence of any galvanic current, although 
we positively deny, when speaking of the illustration 
No. 3, the presence of a regular galvanic conflux. 



CHAPTER II. 

To Silver without any Apparatus. 

To commence this chapter we would say that it is 
but just to give M. de Frankenstein's method full credit 
for the successful issue of this idea when first men- 
tioned. 

He dissolved one quarter of an ounce of silver, no 
matter whether chemically pure, in one-half ounce 
nitric acid, and transferred this chloride of silver into 
a solution of one pint water containing one quarter of 
an ounce cooking salt. 

A heavy white looking substance was formed at 
the bottom when the rest of the liquid was removed. 
This white substance was washed until it appeared of 
a snowy whiteness and then two ounces of sal ammo- 
niac were poured over it. 

Another solution consisting of one and one-quarter 
of an ounce cyanide one and one-fourth of crystalized 
soda one-half ounce of salt and one quart of water was 
prepared to receive this substance (chloride of silver.) 
To this mixture the chloride of silver with the sal 
ammoniac was added and boiled for some minutes 
and then filtered. 

By this solution, wares of German silver, copper, 



33 

brass, and bronze can be silvered by merely holding 
them into the boiling solution 

The following is another very useful prescription: 
One part chloride of silver mixed with three parts 
cyanide, adding enough water to make it a thick paste. 
This mixture is applied by means of some woollen rags 
and effects a bright silver surface which, however, is 
not proof against a hard polish. 

Although the usefulness of the contact operation 
can not very well be denied, it is, however, lacking of 
a general practicability as very large articles could 
be but imperfectly acted upon Another stimulus of 
the process of silvering will be the use of a piece of 
zinc (bright) as by this means a deposition is sooner 
effected. Another and a very important difficulty 
arises from the use of the zinc strip as the zinc covers 
itself, even by very limited use, with cyanide of zinc 
which has to be removed by continual cleaning as 
little parts of this cyanide amalgamate with the solu- 
tion and make filtration requisite as other wise those 
little flakes impart spots upon the silver surface, and 
in some cases the cyanide accumulates to a very con- 
siderable quantity and interrupts the process of ab- 
sorbing altogether. 

Let all that remain as it is, M. de Frankenstein has 
the honorable merit of having invented the most 
simple and most practicable (in some measure), 
method of decomposing metallic liquids. 
4 



CHAPTER III. 

To copper by Contact and without any Apparatus. 

To produce a copper surface we recommend our 
solution described on page 27. A bright strip of zinc 
will answer exactly to effect the deposit of copper 
which will be proof against the influence of every 
atmosphere. 

A method to the same purpose will be the solution 
mentioned on page 26 where simply the remaining of 
the article for the space of fifteen minutes is necessa- 
ry to produce the desired efFect. 

As we have no other practical method to refer to, 
we will conclude this part by proceeding to the most 
important section of this book. 



PART III. 

To gild by the cooperation of combined (constant) 
Chains or Galvanic Batteries. 

CHAPTER I. 

The definition of the term galvanic battery is the 
connection of several constant chains (elements) by 
means of which a more powerful galvanic current is 
produced; a circumstance simply explained by the 
fact, that every chain exercises a certain galvanic 
conflux and if several such chains (elements) proper- 
ly united among themselves are necessarily qualified 
to produce so much more galvanic power. 

Galvanic power or galvanic electricity are names 
given to that form of electricity which is produced by 
chemical action. It is established, that when two me- 
tals are placed in contact with each other and with 
some liquid capable of acting upon one more than 
upon the other, electricity of a peculiar character is 
developed. The peculiar electrical relation to the 
metals employed, also exerts an influence upon this 
result. The metals most extensively used are zinc and 
copper, or zinc and platinum; and the chemical agent 



36 



JEWELER'S HANL-BOOK. 



is some liquid containing an acid having a powerful 
affinity for zinc. The language adopted in describing 
the resulting phenomena was founded originally on 
the supposition that electricity is given out to the 
copper from the zinc, which is corroded through the 
liquid between them. If a glass vessel filled with 
fluid, would contain a copper and a zinc plate, expos- 
ing their respective surfaces without being in contact, 
the supposed motion of the electric current within the 
glass w T ould be from the zinc to the copper, and if the 
two metals are connected by a wire without the vessel, 
in order to fulfill the condition of metallic contact, 
the electricity is supposed to pass around through the 
wires from copper to zinc again, to restore the equili- 
brum of the fluid. Thus the current is considered as 
passing from zinc to copper within the series and from 
copper to zinc without it. The wire connected with 
the copper is the positive pole (anode) of the arrange- 
ment, and that with the zinc the negative pole (ca- 
thode). 

The electricity proceeding from the positive pole is 
the same in its relation as the electricity from the 
prime conductor of the electrical machine, which ori- 
ginally received the name positive, while that from the 
negative pole corresponds with the electricity ob- 
tained from the rubber of the machine. These terras 
are, however, to a certain extent, arbitrary. It is still 
an open question, whether there is one fluid moving in 
a particular direction, or two fluids moving in oppo- 



jeweler's hand-book. 37 

site directions, or no motion of a fluid at all. The fact 
which is sought to be explained by these theories re- 
mains fixed. For the above described circulation of 
the electrical current, technically called the galvanic 
circuit, there is an electrical influence propagated in a 
certain unchanging direction, and as the control of the 
magnetic and chemical reactions produced depends 
upon our knowledge of this, it is necessary that the 
signification of the terms should be understood. 

Professor Farraday has proposed a nomenclature of 
electricity, which has been adopted in some scientific 
treatises. The poles are called by him electrodes, from 
the Greek >j\sx<rpo and vdhg ; that is, w T ays or path of 
electricity; the positive pole (the anode) Greek, ccvo^c, 
an ascending or entering way, and the negative pole 
the cathode, likewise from the Greek, xaSoSogj a des- 
cending way or path of exit. The terms positive and 
negative pole are, however, still most frequently used 
to designate these extremities, and the wire without, 
when in connection with these poles, is spoken of as 
the channel of a positive current passing from the for- 
mer to the latter. 

Instead of using two metals to form the galvanic 
circuit, one metal, in different states, may be used on 
the same principle; the essential condition of this cur- 
rent being only, that one part of a conductor of elec- 
tricity shall be more corroded by some chemical agent 
than another part. Thns, if a galvanic pair be made 
of the same metal, one part of which shall be softer 



38 

than another, as of cast and rolled zinc, so as. to be 
differently corroded, or if a greater amount of surface 
be exposed- to corrosion on one side than on the other, 
or a more powerful chemical agent be used on one 
side, a current will be determined from the part most 
corroded through the liquid to the part least corroded, 
whenever the circuit of the poles is complete. 

Galvanic electricity is capable of producing the 
most extensive magnetic, chemical and calorific ef- 
fects. In this respect, it has a far greater capacity 
than mechanical electricity, though it is found that, 
by the accumulation of this latter, the same effects can 
be produced in proportion to the amount present. 
This has led to the natural inference, that, in galvanic 
electricity, the quantity present is immense, while in 
mechanical, the quantity is small. On the other hand, 
it is found that, in the latter form, the electricity is 
much more energetic in its physical reactions; that it 
appears to be condensed upon insulated matter, and 
strives to obtain an equilibrum by diffusion in every 
direction. It is therefore said, that mechanical elec- 
tricity has more intensity than galvanic, though it is 
difficult to assign other than a general idea to this 
word. Owing to the difference of intensity, the snb- 
stances, such as glass, earthenware, wood, ivory, which 
act as nonconductors to galvanic electricity, are much 
more numerous than the corresponding class, with re- 
ference to mechanical electricity. A true comparison 
between these two forms of electricity would be made 



jeweler's hand-book. 39 

between the galvanic current and a current of mechan- 
ical electricity freely circulating as through a wire 
connecting the prime conductor and the rubber of an 
electrical machine. So compared, the fluid would be 
found in both identical in its effects, with scarcely 
greater difference in the conditions of quantity and 
intensity, than we are able to produce by different ar- 
rangements of galvanic series. 

There are two methods by which the peculiar 
powers of a galvanic arrangement may be increased; 
first, by increasing the size of the plates used; secondly, 
by increasing their number. 

The extension of the size of the plates. If the size 
of the plates, that is, the extent of the surface acted 
upon by the chemical agent, is increased, some of the 
resulting effects become more powerful in the same 
proportion, while others do not. The power to de- 
velop heat and magnetism is increased, while the 
power to decompose chemical compounds and to affect 
the animal system is very slightly, or not at all, aug- 
mented. Batteries constructed in this manner, of 
large plates, are sometimes called calorimotors from 
their great power of producing heat; and they usually 
consist of from one to eight pairs of plates. They 
are made of various forms. Sometimes the sheets of 
copperand zinc are coiled in concentric spirals, some- 
times placed side by side; and they may be divided 
into a great number of small plates, provided that all 
the zinc plates are connected together and all the 



40 



JEWELER'S HAND-BOOK. 



copper plates together, and then, finally, that the 
experiments are performed in a channel of electrical 
communication opened between the one congeries and 
the other; for it is immaterial whether one. large 
surface be used, or many small surfaces electrically 
connected together. The effects of all these arrange- 
ments, by which the metallic surface of a single pair 
is augmented, is to increase the quantity of the elec- 
tricity produced. 

2. The extension of the number of the plates con- 
secutively; that is, by connecting the copper plates of 
each pair with the zinc plate of the next pair. By 
this arrangement the electricity is obliged to traverse 
a longer or shorter series of pairs; each pair being 
separated from the adjoining ones by a stratum of an 
imperfectly conducting liquid, or by the walls of an 
insulating cell. The result is, that the electricity 
acquires that additional impulse, which has already 
been referred to as intensity. It has greater power 
to pass through imperfect conductors, or through 
intervals in the circuit, to give shocks to the animal 
system and to decompose chemical compounds; and 
when the number of consecutive pairs of plates is in- 
creased to some thousands, or even hundreds, the 
electricity developed approaches very near in its 
character to that produced by the electrical machine; 
it manifests similar attractions and repulsions, and 
in fact the Leyden jar may be charged with it. With 
a very extensive series excited by water only, and in 



JEWELER^ HAND-BOOK. 4 1 

which each cell was carefully insulated, an English 
electrician has lately obtained an electrical discharge 
between the poles, although separated to a considera- 
ble distance. The electricity from one pair of plates 
has a very low intensity. As the numbers of conse- 
cutive pairs is multiplied, the intensity increases, until 
at length it approximates to that of frictional electri- 
city, which is able to strike across a considerable in- 
terval of air and to fracture solid nonconductors in- 
terposed in its circuit. 

In consequence of the low intensity of the electri- 
city required for electrive magnetic experiments, it is 
very easy of insulation. This is a great advantage 
in regard to the practical construction of magnetic 
apparatus. Where electricity exists in a state of 
high intensity, it has a strong tendency to pass off, 
and dissipate itself through imperfect conductors; 
but where it exists only in quantity it requires nearly 
perfect conductors to allow it a passage. The elec- 
tricity developed by a single pair of plates, however 
much its power may be increased by adding to the 
size of the plates, will scarcely pass across the small- 
est interval of air, and a wire conveying the current 
maybe perfectly insulated by a covering of varnish. 
In working the electrical machine, on the other hand, 
the electrified parts of the apparatus must be kept at 
a distance from each other, raised on glass supports, 
or suspended by silken lines; and then, unless the 
atmosphere is very dry, the electricity will be rapidly 



42 

dissipated. But in the case of currents of low inten- 
sity, however great what is called the quantity may 
be, two wires may be side by side, with a coating of 
varnish or wax betwen them and convey different and 
opposite currents, without any perceptible electrical 
intercommunication. 

Having now sufficiently demonstrated the origin, 
laws and absolute principles of galvanic electricity, 
we think the reader is fully informed of the necessary 
theory to pass over to practical experiments. Al- 
though many of the above named phenomena do not 
directly allude to gilding, silvering, etc., we could, 
however, not abstain from citing them, as they to- 
gether with the rest facilitate comprehension. 

The first galvanic electric apparatus as detailed by 
Mons. Dumas in his reports to the Academy of Fine 
Arts consisted of a Voltaic column including six ele- 
ments (Leyden jars) of 2 decimetres each. 

The electric activity was produced by a solution of 
vitriol of copper and of salt. 

Before- we undertake to describe the different kinds 
of batteries we would like to aim at a clear under- 
standing about constant and inconstant batteries. 

By the former we intend to impart the idea of 
speaking of a galvanic apparatus capable of develop- 
ing electricity for a term of at least a week or more 
without any material interuption, and by the latter we 
mean instruments which exercise a certain degree of 
electric power for much less time (an hour or so). 



43 

It will soon be admitted that a battery of the latter 
description would not answer to practical use and 
therefore we deem ourselves justified in passing over 
them without further mention. 

Since the first publications of Dr. Alexander Petz- 
hold, Professor Kaisen and Dr. Alexander (1841), 
we have strictly followed their course and feel happy 
to say that their theory was found to be entirely 
consistent with practice, although many of their 
methods require simplifying for the practitioner. We 
have devoted a good deal of time and capital to 
explore their discoveries and to make them bear 
towards the interest of the trade, and how far our 
endeavors were successful will be seen in the course 
of this chapter. To best enlighten our readers we 
deem it proper to benefit them by a description of Dr. 
Petzhold's apparatus. 

The same consisted of six elements of copper and 
zinc in the shape of cylinders; the copper cylinders 
measuring six inches in height and three inches in 
diameter, and the zinc cylinder six inches in height 
and four inches in diameter. 

The copper cylinders were enveloped in bladder, 
and then filled with a concentrated solution of vitriol 
of copper. 

After that both cylinders (the zinc cylinders em- 
bracing the copper cylinders) were placed in some 
stone pots of seven inches in height and five and a 
half inches in diameter in the following order: 



44 



JEWELER'S hand-book. 



First, the zinc cylinder which is open on both ends 
and in the zinc cylinder the well enveloped copper 
cylinder, but if the zinc cylinder is placed into 
the pot, the same must be filled with a strong solution of 
cooking salt in water. The whole of these six ele- 
ments (every one of them is a constant chain) were 
placed upon a level board and united by means of 
copper wire, the one end soldered to one of the 
cylinders and the other dipping into a small cup filled 
with quicksilver. For a better conception we give 
the following illustration: 




1 A stone pot to hold the cylinders and the solution of salt 
water. 

2 Is the zinc cylinder. 

3 The enveloped copper cylinder. 

4 Little cups containing quicksilver. 

5 Prominent staffs on the copper cylinder, 

6 Prominent staffs on the zinc cylinder. 



45 

5' Copper wire connected with No. 5. 
6' Copper wire connected with No. 6. 

7 A piece of. platina tightly fastened to No. 5'. 

8 A watch case fastened to No. 6'. 

9 A vessel containing the gold solution. 

10 A cup of copper. 

11 A cup of zinc. 

11 A supporter for wire 5' 
13 A supporter for wire 6' 

The limited space did not permit of showing a full 
representation of six such chains, but we hope that 
the figure delineating a series three Ley den jars will 
enlighten our reader satisfactorily. 

The general length of the copper wires between 
the cylinders was eleven inches, and the copper and 
zinc staffs could be detached from their respective 
cylinders, being held by tightly fitting hollow curves. 

This battery was working for forty-eight hours 
when the solutions of vitriol of copper and salt water 
were exchanged for a fresh solutions. The end wires 
(coming from the last cups) were of gold when gilding 
was proposed, of silver when silvering was desired, 
and of copper when coppering was to be done. 

To make sure of the presence and strength of the 
galvanic current, a circumstance of great impor- 
tance, a magnetic needle 2" in length with a 
compass dial 2" in diameter is inserted upon one of 
the copper wires and showing a northerly direction 
parallel with the wire when no electric current was 
prevailing and a strong right angular motion as sooa 
as the elements became animated. 
5 



46 

The magnetic pointer would gradually come back 
to its former position as soon as the galvanic stream 
slackened or ceased. 

It is claimed that such a compass was indispensa- 
ble to show the constancy of the electric power and to 
ascertain how much gold was decomposed as of course 
no discharge will take place in the absence of elec- 
tricity and too much gold might be consumed by too 
strong conflux, therefore this magnetic needle was 
considered a scale to calculate the amount of the 
discharge of the solution. 

This kind of battery is no doubt a very powerful 
one but whether sufficiently practical we shall en- 
deavor to show. 

Firstly, the complicated nature of these elements 
speaks against their adoption. 

As a second important reason for our disapprobation 
we would mention the high price of quicksilver, 

A third and final point, is the great waste of time 
to keep the described apparatus- in working order. 

Meritorious, however, as the battery is, it requires 
some reforms, which happily are found and will be 
defined to our reader's satisfaction, at the same time 
begging the inventor's pardon, that we undertook to 
simplify his apparatus and then recommend its adop- 
tion for general and practical use. 

We shall now take the liberty of describing another 
apparatus (battery) simple in construction and prac- 
tical for the profession. 



jeweler's hand-book. 47 

It was invented in the year 1842 by Ferdinand 
Werner of St. Petersburgh. 

He used a tolerably large cup of copper half filled 
with a solution of blue vitrol. In this copper cup an 
earthen unglazed cylinder (porous cell,) was placed 
half filled with a solution of one part sulphuric acid 
and thirty parts water into which Mr. F. Werner 
puts a we amalgamated sheet of zinc rolled in cyl- 
i nderical shape, but good care was taken that these two 
solutions did not flow into each other; they filled their 
receptacles within an inch of the brim. The cup as 
well as the zinc cylinder had a prominent strip or 
staff to which the connecting wires could be attached, 
either by winding them around or by means of a screw 
cup. 

This connection is much better than quicksilver, 
which easily produces spots upon the metallic surface. 

The several trials to which we have subjected this 
battery fully gives us the satisfaction to recommend it 
to the profession as a safe and good instrument, and 
for a better understanding we annex the following 
diagram.: 



48 



jeweler's hand-book. 

No. 5. 




1 The copper cup. 

2 The earthen (unglazed) pot (flower pot) (porous cell). 

3 The zinc cylinder. 

4 Zinc pole cup (negative pole). 

5 The copper pole«up (positive pole). 

The battery just described is calculated to gild or 
silver any moderate sized article in a very short time. 
The gold receives a beautiful color, stands polishing 
or coloring, and does not wear off so soon, as one dwt. 
of gold (by means of such a combined chain) will be 
thrown down in one hour. 

It is with particular interest that we patronize this 
apparatus, as its construction can be effected every 
where without much expense and its facilities answer 
the demands of the most critical and economical prac- 
titioners. In case the construction of several of these 



jeweler's hand-book. 4# 

batteries would appear desirable, they must be con- 
nected with clasps always a copper end to a zinc end. 
Mr. F. Werner has invented some other batteries, of 
which we make no mention, as this apparatus has all 
the qualifications of a good battery. The reader will 
notice that the illustrations No. 4 and No. 5 bear some 
resemblance, with the exception that the latter has no 
cups for quicksilver, no stone pots to hold the salt and 
no bladder to separate the copper cylinder from the 
liquid in the zinc cylinder, and therefore we take oc- 
casion to add, that although Mr. Werner's battery is 
in a great measure reduced and simplified, it is not 
inferior to No. 4. 

No spots and no brown color will be observed, pro- 
vided the solution be in good concentration and the 
apparatus itself clean and filled with a good stimulus; 
a moderate, constant galvanic current is prevailing 
and the gold deposited looks uncommonly well and will 
be found to sustain a great deal of wear, and no warm- 
ing of the gold solution is required, as the ordinary 
temperature of the room is sufficient. Having now 
sufficiently explained the merits of Mr. Werner's 
battery, we proceed to state that the elements con- 
structed by Messrs. Bunsen, Daniell, Mullin and Smee, 
are not less recommendable, but we had not leisure 
enough to try their qualifications to venture any opi- 
nion, but can assert that they are extensively used by 
many manufacturers, which bespeaks their practica- 
bility. 



60 

As we now come to the most important part of this 
book, we invite the particular attention of our readers, 
as we shall give them the result of our experiments 
with the batteries invented by Mr. Daniell, by the 
means of which one and the same solution can be used 

WITHOUT EVER BEING EXHAUSTED. 

The important consequence of this incalculable ad- 
vantage is chiefly manifested, as many ingredients 
necessary to our solutions cannot every where be ob- 
tained, and as the preparation of the solution itself is 
not sufficiently gratifying to admit of a daily repe- 
tition. 

A still greater benefit results from this battery, as 
we are enabled to calculate to the very least part of a 
grain how much gold we used or in how much time 
we are able to deposit a certain quantity of gold, sil- 
ver or copper. 

The battery in question we have kept in activity 
for upwards of eight days without changing or renew- 
ing the solution or making any alteration whatever, 
and therefore we believe ourselves equal to the re- 
sponsibility of pronouncing it superior to any we have 
heard of. 

The construction is so simple and the materials 
which are every where to be obtained, allow every 
workman (even the most economical) to procure it. 

We have generally used two glass jars of four inches 
in diameter and six inches in height, and two sheets 
of copper and zince rolled in cylindrical shape of the 



jeweler's hand-book. 51 

same height, and two earthern unglazed cylinders (po- 
rous cells made of red potter's clay), as a matter of 
course all of a different diameter, allowing the largest 
diameter for the two jars, then follow the copper, 
earthern, and last, the amalgamated zinc cylinders. 

The earthern cylinders must be of good texture and 
have a reddish yellow brown color, then if they impart 
their color or are very thin, they break easily, and 
make the process expensive. 

If the battery has been put into working operation, 
two bright copper wires (conductors) tightly fastened 
to the last brightly cleaned zinc staff of the zinc cyl- 
inder on the left and on the last bright cleaned copper 
staff of the copper cylinder on the right, to guide the 
electric current into the solution, which must be kept in 
a small porcelain vessel over a furnace to heat it. To 
the wire coming from the zinc pole we fasten the ar- 
ticle to be gilded, silvered or coppered most intimately, 
having particularly cleaned the article previously. 

The article itself must be entirely covered with the 
solution, and must not be handled with unclean ringers, 
and it will be best to work with wet fingers; at least 
that was the way we have always done, and our work 
has never shown spots. It would be just as well to 
use a gold or heavily gilt wire, or when silvering, a 
silver or silvered one, as the solutions are of a corro- 
sive nature, and partly dissolve the wire (generally 
speaking): therefore, should a copper wire dissolve in 
a silver solution, the same will receive a reddish tint 



52 

and the pure color of gold might receive a slight 
change into red, which would prove very disagreeable 
in some cases. If, therefore, gold or silver wires are 
not to be obtained or too expensive in the opinion of 
the reader, we would propose to lengthen them with 
platina wire as far as they reach into the solution, and 
although platina wire is also expensive it will save 
money, as it never dissolves and does not interfere 
whatever with the color of gold or silver. To ease 
the operation, it will be necessary to attach a large 
strip of gold (if gilding, and of silver if silvering is the 
purpose) to the wire coming from the copper pole end 
(to the right) which dives into the solution half of its 
size. 

By the means of a thin piece of gold or silver at the 
end of the positive pole (anode), the respective solu- 
tions keeps its concentration as the gold or silver de- 
posited upon the surface is substituted by the gradual 
dissolution of the anode. 

According to the theory the anode (the gold, silver 
or copper strip attached to the copper pole end wire) 
commences to dissolve or to absorb as soon as the gal- 
vanic battery develops its electric activity, and the 
decomposition of the anode replaces just as much as the 
actual solution discharges upon the negative metallic 
article (kathode). This is the great advantage which 
makes this battery superior to so many others, as the 
process of consummation and supply is produced in 
the same time, and the solution could never be ex- 



eweler's hand-book. 53 

hausted, as the deposit shows precisely the increase in 
weight of which the gold or silver strip is minus of 
its originalweight. 

We will not dwell upon the benefits of this process 
any further, but must state, that with the advantage 
of preserving our solution we are, at the same time, 
enabled to give an exact figure for the work done, 
because we know to the very grain how much material 
we have consumed and may with safety calculate the 
job. 

We do not wish to impart the idea to the reader 
that we have the merit of having discovered the use of 
gold or silver strip, as it was the idea of the deceased 
Duke of Leuchtenburg, who devoted a good deal of 
time and capital to galvanic experiments. 

Under his direction the galvano plastic institution 
of St. Petersburgh felled annually 36,300 pounds of 
copper, 300 pounds of silver, and about 960 ounces of 
gold per month, all by galvanic agents. The wires 
used to hold the anode and kathode, must not be too 
long or too thin, as in both cases the effects of the 
galvanic current would be less efficient. 

The two glasses are filled with the solution of blue 
vitriol, the copper, earthern and amalgamated zinc 
cylinders with the salt water are placed properly into 
each other and the wires fixed to the poles (copper and 
zinc staffs); the kathode (the article to be gilded) is 
fixed 1o the zinc pole wire and the anode (gold or 
silver strips) to the copper pole wire, a steady galvanic 



54 

current commences and the appearance of small bub- 
bles arising betokens the presence of electricity. 

In the course of the operation a brown colored pow- 
der accumulates on the gold and a grey powder on the 
silver stripe, which is dissoluble cyanide of gold or 
silver, which must be removed either by shaking the 
wires or by stirring the stripe, as the surplus of cya- 
nide of potassium dissolves this metallic powder. 

When the battery has performed its task aud is no 
longer necessary, we proceed in the following manner: 

We detach the screw cups and take the copper and 
zinc cylinders from their respective solutions, rinse 
them well in clear water and cleanse them in a man- 
ner to be hereafter described. 

The salt water has mostly become turbid after 
standing forty-eight hours and must be poured away, 
as it is not worth preserving, and the solution of blue 
vitriol ought to share the same fate if minus of its 
blue color, as in this case it has lost all its copper, and 
therefore if we intended a long operation, we refresh 
it by some chrystals of blue vitriol as soon as we dis- 
cover the solution to be colorless. 

The jars and cylinders are carefully rinsed and set 
aside; the copper cylinders we wash with a thin so- 
lution of muriatic acid and dry them. 

More difficulties will be found when we come to the 
zinc cylinders, as when used for several days a black 
crust covers the zinc which can not be removed with 
the hardest brush, and therefore we found another ex- 



55 

pedient to effect the cleansing much quicker and in a 
more perfect manner, a plan which has been adopted 
by nearly all practitioners to whom we had occasion 
to communicate this idea. 

"We wind a well nealed copper wire around the zinc 
cylinder and fasten to the other end a piece of cast iron 
of the same length as the cylinder." 

Both metals, thus prepared, are laid into a solution 
of one part of sulphuric acid and thirty parts water, 
and as soon as a rise of bubbles will be seen on the 
iron (vater being decomposed by the galvanic chain of 
the zinc and iron), this black crust which sticks so 
tight to the zinc begins to dissolve. 

The zinc must be turned several times, and if the 
development of bubbles should cease it will be neces- 
sary to add some sulphuric acid, and it would be well 
to aid with the brush towards the removal of the 
crust, and in a very short time the amalgamated sur- 
face will be visible and then the cylinder must .be 
washed and dried. 

We think we have now sufficiently explained the 
most important circumstances connected with the use 
of this battery, and proceed now to illustrate the same: 



56 



jeweler's hand-book. 

No. G. 




A A Two glass jars or stone pots. 

B B Two copper cylinders made of copper sheet rolled in that 
shape open on the side, and are provided with a prom- 
inent patch or staff on one side. 

C C Two earthen but unglazed cylinders made of potter's clay 
(porous cells). 

D D Two amalgamated zinc cylinders. 

d The patch or staff of the zinc cylinder D, in the element 
to the right connected with a screw to copper cylinder. 
B's patch to the left. 
The interior places of the cylinders are marked by in- 
terrupted lines. 
To the patch or staff of copper cylinder B, to the right 
wire E, is attached, which holds the gold or sil- 
ver sheet F, which reaches partly into the solution 
contained in vessel H and to the patch or staff of the 
zinc cylinder D, to the left another wire, E,is attach- 
ed, holding the article G, to be gilded. 



JEWELER'S HAND-BOOK. 57 

The vessel H. ought to be of such description as to 
stand heating, as warming greatly promotes the elec- 
tri current. 

If several articles are to be galvanized at the same 
time, they same must be suspended so as not to touch 
each other, and if the battery is well united and pre- 
pared as we proposed, the articles will show in less 
than a minute a nice gilding, but it would be advisable 
to take them out from the solution and give them an 
alternate cleaning with cream of tartar as by this means 
the color will be heightened and the time of the 
operation shortened. 

We are now content with having given all prelimi- 
naries necessary to operate with success the apparatus 
and now offer the prescription of a good solution. 

Two dwts. of fine gold are rolled out and then cut 
into small pieces; we then transfer them into a fire 
proof cup in which we have previously placed three 
fourths of an ounce nitric acid and let this boil for a 
little while, and then add two ounces of muriatic acid 
and let them boil together until the whole becomes of 
a purple color 3 then take it off the fire, and pour the 
contents into a glass vessel containing three ounces 
cyanide of potash (granulated) and the solution will 
in the space of ten minutes show a deep yellow color 
and is ready for use. This solution will gild wares 
made of copper, brass, silver, steel, iron, cast iron,, 
bronze, zinc and tin in a very durable manner, and in. 
regard to appearance be second to none. 
6 



58 

We would also intimate that brass, bronze, and 
copper, ought first be galvanized with silver, and zinc 
cast iron, steel, iron and tin, with copper, as gold will 
stay better on a previous galvanic layer. 

As a matter of course every article ought to have a 
clean polish and smooth surfaee, as on the contrary no 
galvanic operation will take place, or if it does very 
imperfectly, and such negligence would waste time 
and material. 

The market often requires articles being of gold 
and silver (partly) such as cups, goblets, dishes 
pitchers, &c. 

All these can be obtained at a very easy variation 
of the usual manner of proceeding. 

If for instance a goblet of silver requires gilding- 
inside we set our battery to work as usual, wind the 
wire coming from the zinc pole, round the outside of 
the goblet, fill the cavity of the goblet with gold solu- 
tion as far as it is wanted to be gilded, and bring a 
strip of gold attached to the wire coming from the 
copper end and place it in the hollow of the goblet 
(as far as it is to be gilded) but avoiding contact with 
the border of the goblet. 

If everything be so prepared the cavity will soon 
show a golden surface, which will fairly compete with 
any fire gilded cavity. A great promotion of the 
process will be a previous warming of the solution. 

To effect frosted gilding the article must remain 
twice as long in the solution and when taken out it 



JEWELER'S HAND-BOOK. 



59 



must be dipped into boiling rain water and be dried 
in the air. 

As a certain method to obtain frosted gilding the 
solution must be warmed to sixty degrees Cel. and the 
solution must not contain an abundance of cyanide. 
Should it happen that the first trial should result in an 
imperfect dim color, the article must be brightened by 
brushing with cream of tartar and then it will certainly 
show the desired dimness, any part of which can be 
polished to relieve the rest. 

We conclude this chapter by recommending scru- 
pulous cleanliness and frequent use of cream of tartar. 






CHAPTER n. 

To Silver by the cooperation of Combined Elements 
or Batteries. 

The manner of proceeding is exactly the same as 
•gilding with the exception of the silver strip an- 
nexed to the copper pole wire to act as anode. 

The operation does not require as much time as 
gilding and the solution does not require to be 
warmed, as in all cases the article will soon appear 
covered with a beautiful silver which fully answers 
all the demands of the most critical public. 

Steel, iron, cast iron, zinc, copper and tin must be 
first covered with copper. 

The following preparation of silver we venture to 
recommend to the attention of our readers as many 
silver plating establishments use the same. 

One ounce of silver is dissolved in three ounces of 
nitric acid over a moderate heat, to this solution is 
added a pint of clear water and then a spoonful of 
table salt thrown into the same precipitates the silver 
chloride, which will be found at the bottom in the 
shape of a mass of white flakes lying very compact. 

The water and acids are poured away and the sed- 



jeweler's hand book. 61 

iment rinsed until the water shows a natural color. 
We then pour over the washed chloride a solution of 
one and a half ounces of cyanide of potash in one 
quart of rain water, which will cause the solution to 
become turbid, but it will soon clear up and is ready 
to be used. 

Jf a very large article must be silvered which our 
solution does not fully cover, water may indiscrimi- 
nately be added until the article is fairly covered. 

A bright metallic surface of the article must be 
considered a "sine qua non." 

When covered with a satisfactory silver coat, take 
the article out of solution, rinse it in rain water, and 
dry it in saw dust. 



CHAPTER III. 

Coppering by means of Combined Elements or 
Batteries. 

This operation does not admit of any further details 
as it is done in exactly the same manner as described 
in the two previous chapters with the variation of a 
strip of copper attached to the positive pole (copper 
wire). The solution defined hereafter, we have 
selected from hosts of presciptions as the most useful 
and safest. 

Coppering claims more time than any of the pre- 
vious operations, and should iron be covered with very 
old rust, it will be necessary to clean it by the follow- 
ing process: 

Wind a copper wire round the iron and fasten to 
the other end of the wire a piece of zinc of a corres- 
ponding size, dip it in a solution of one part nitric 
acid and thirty parts water and the crust will in about 
fifteen minutes be removed. The quality of a galvanic 
coating of copper may best be judged when we tell 
our readers, that a sheet of iron covered 1 with galvanic 
copper was taken through fire, made red hot and then 



JEWELER S HAND-BOOK. 



63 



handled with steel burnishes and without losing its 
copper or any part thereof. 

Copper solution — .One and a half ounces of sulphate 
of copper and half an ounce prussiate potash dis- 
solved in one quart of boiling water, adding success- 
ively four ounces of granulated cyanide of potassium 
until this mixture gets a dark yellow color. It must 
be remarked that the whole process of mixing must 
be performed by continually stirring, to prevent any 
overboiling.. 



PAET IV. 

The Practical Use of Sulphate of Copper Batteries. 

CHAPTER I. 

As in course of time every invention conies to a 
certain degree of perfection, particularly when an in- 
vention is considered which carries successfully the age 
and for such we set down the wonderful effects of the 
electro galvanic agents in their several forms. If 
we come to examine the validity of the idea to con- 
vey a speech thousands of miles in a few minutes, we 
might safely say we live in an age of wonder; when 
we further consider that the same agent removes 
rocks, and destroys subteranean obstacles, we might as 
well call the entire principle a factotum. 

In the foregoing chapters we took occasion to call 
the attention of our readers to certain galvanic bat- 
teries, which we thought proper to recommend and al- 
though we are most sincerely convinced that our 
recommendation will find its justification, we can, 
however, not omit to do justice to other galvanic medi- 
ums suitable for gilding, silvering, etc., particularly 
such as are manufactured in this great, country. 

As a good electro galvanic battery, we notice the 



65 

sulphate of copper battery manufactured by Messrs. 
Hall and Palmer, as standing foremost. This battery 
comes in substance to the same rank, than the same 
apparatus we described in illustration No. six with 
the important difference that the former is made of 
such material and in such style as to be at once useful 
and ornamental. 

The kind reader might form a wrong opinion, that 
we, now nearty at the end of our book take seeming- 
ly part against our apparent pet battery, but such is, 
however, not the case, as we shall not endeavor to 
depreciate our favorite for the single reason that we 
are inclined to patronize home industry, but we feel 
ourselves called upon, to bespeak favorably the sul- 
phate of copper battery which comes so near to battery 
No. 6, because the same has been put up for the 
market and might easier be bought than made by the 
operator himself. As there is no material difference 
in the principle only more practicability in its con- 
struction which latter reason speaks laudable enough 
for its adoption and therefore we do not hesitate to do 
justice in the interest of our reader. The self manu- 
factured batteries are mostly lacking in precision, 
because they are chiefly made of such materials which 
are to be got easiest and in no case they do present a 
good looking shape, as on the other hand those galvanic 
batteries manufactured by the above mentioned firm 
deserve due praise, as they not only command a good 
exterior but are made of such materials as to vouch- 



66 

safe good results, and we have no doubt that our read- 
er will concur with us as soon as he has conceived the 
description of their construction. 

The single sulphate of copper battery consists of a 
double cylinder of copper with a bottom of the same 
metal, which answers the purpose both of a galvanic 
plate and of a receptacle to hold the exciting liquid. 
The space between the two cylinders is filled with a 
solution of sulphate of copper (blue vitriol). A 
movable cylinder of zinc, which is let down between 
the two cylinders when the battery is to be put in 
activity. The circumference of the zinc cylinder is 
of course intermediate in size, as well as in position, 
to the two copper cylinders and is made to rest upon 
the outer cylinder by means of three insulating sup- 
porters of wood or ivory, projecting from it outward- 
ly. Thus it hangs suspended in the solution and 
presents its two opposite surfaces (to the inner and 
outer cylinder respectively,) to the action of the 
exciting liquid. A screw cup is connected with the 
zinc cylinder and another one with the copper cylin- 
der (outer cylinder) the former of which acts as the 
negative conductor (pole) and the latter as the posi- 
tive conductor (pole), or when the wires of both cups 
are united, according to the theory promulgated in 
this book, the galvanic current or the electricity 
produced by the action of this battery passes from one 
to the other. 

No doubt an outline of such a battery would in a great 



jeweler's hand-book. 67 

measure facilitate comprehension, but we regret as the 
limited space does not admit of an additional engrav- 
ing, and we therefore confide in the quick conception 
of our reading public. 

The irritating, material to create electric life is a 
solution of sulphate of copper (common blue vitriol,) 
in water. To prepare this liquid a saturated solution 
of the blue vitriol in made and to this solution is then 
added so much more water. To make sure of this 
operation we would propose to dissolve four ounces of 
blue vitriol in a pint of water so that a half saturated 
solution contains two ounces of this salt to the pint, 
as the ordinary temperature of the atmosphere is 
capable of dissolving one-fourth of a pound of blue 
vitriol in one pint of water. If this solution is mixed 
with a little alcohol the permanency of the action is 
increased. 

The galvanic current is produced by the following 
process: The zinc is oxidized by the oxygen of the 
water, the oxide in conjunction with the acid of the 
salt forms sulphate of zinc, which remains in the 
solution: while the oxide of copper which was previous- 
ly combined with the acid, being set free, partly adheres 
to the surface of the zinc cylinder, or settles down at 
the bottom as a black powder and is partly reduced 
to metallic copper which is thrown on the surface of 
the copper cylinder or sinks down in little flakes. 
The transformation of the oxide to the metallic state 
takes place in this manner. The water of the so- 
lution furnishes oxygen to the zinc and thus faciii- 






68 

tates the conjunction with the acid; while the hydro- 
gen which is free now, again forms water with the 
oxygen of the oxide of copper with which it comes in 
contact, leaving the metal liberated. Hence but little 
gas is created during the action of a battery charged 
with sulphate of copper as the hydrogen which usually 
escapes is in this case mostly absorbed. 

By the above defined process a greater intensity in 
proportion to the quantity of electricity is produced, 
than in Sraee's battery, from the fact that the final de- 
composition falls on oxide of copper and not on water, 
which is separated into its elements with greater 
difficulty than the former. The power of a galvanic 
battery is equal, other conditions being the same, to 
the amount of corrosive force in the solution, minus 
the power of chemical affinity which has to be sup- 
pressed in the decomposition which necessarily attends 
the action. 

The sulphate of copper battery deserves a prefer- 
ence to many other galvanic agents, as the handling 
of different acids might inconvenience in a great 
measure many practical mechanics, as this battery 
only requires one kind of salt, the vapor of which 
and the actual effects of the sulphate of copper do 
not endanger the health of the operator, as the blue 
vitriol is entirely neutral and can consequently not 
impair the color or texture of organic substances. 

The coating of oxide of copper must in all cases be 
removed from the zinc when the action of the battery 



jeweler's hand-book. 09 

is no longer wanted. A good brush with the aid of 
sufficient water readily cleans the surface of the zinc, 
as an accumulation of this oxide will in time become 
so hard, that a file must be used to remove this coat- 
ing and of course lessens the substance of the zinc 
cylinder, while a careful washing after every opera- 
tion will preserve the cylinder and its substance. 
The deposit of copper which accumulates below, must 
also be removed which is done much easier, as a good 
rinsing generally suffices. 

The sulphate of copper battery will, when charged 
with good liquid, keep in good action for twenty or 
thirty minutes at a time. The zinc cylinder should 
always be taken out of the solution when the battery 
is not in action but the solution itself may be left 
there, as it has no chemical action upon the copper 
but rather tends to keeps its surface in good condition. 
When the solution shows no longer a blue color, if 
has lost all its copper and consequently its power, a 
case, which will occur after a certain period of using' 
the same, and it would not be best to attempt the 
renewal of its efficiency by adding a fresh portion of 
the salt; it should be thrown away and fresh liquid be 
prepared under the foregoing directions. 

When the battery is filled with a good saturated 
solution of blue vitriol, the zinc cylinder is suspended 
between the copper cylinder but so as to avoid con- 
tact, because a union of the copper and zinc might 
create a by action and by this means interrupt the 
7 



70 

whole process. When all is so prepared, a well 
Healed copper wire is fixed to the screw cup of the 
outer (copper) cylinder and to the other end we 
attach a strip of gold (when gilding), and then we 
add another wire to the screw cup of the zinc 
cylinder to which we connect the article to be opera- 
ted upon. The article is held now into the gold 
solution and is fairly covered by the same, although 
the opposite strip only dives half its size into the 
gold solution. The article is now left two minutes 
into the solution and then taken out to be cleaned and 
put back again and left until it shows the desired 
surfai e. 

Two such batteries will suffice for gilding and 
one for silvering, and as a matter of course when 
more then one battery is used they must be connected 
properly always a zinc end to a copper end, and the 
last zinc cup forms the negative pole and the last cop- 
per cup the positive pole. 



CHAPTER II. 

The protected Sulphate of Copper Battery, 

The above named battery consists, firstly, of a solid 
zinc rod with sufficient space to allow the saline or 
acid solution to surround it; secondly, of a porous 
cell with a bottom, which cell is inserted to separate 
the solutions which exite the zinc and copper, which 
in this battery are of two different species; and thirdly, 
of a copper cylinder likewise provided with a bottom 
to embrace porous cell, zinc rod and solutions. "With 
the zinc rod a screw cup is connected to act as 
negative pole, and vith the copper cylinder another 
cup to serve as positive pole. It will be necessary 
to allow the porous cell after being used to soak in 
several waters before its being dried and set aside, 
otherwise the salts which are contained in it will 
crystalize in the interstices and disintegrate its sub- 
stance. 

Having now described the construction of this bat- 
tery, we will in the same time explain why a porous 
cell forms the only difference between this and the 
single sulphate of copper battery; a difference which 



72 

presents a very important feature and might be safely 
called a great improvement. 

In the foregoing chapter we stated, when we de- 
fined the action producing electricity, that the zinc 
soon became coated with oxide or pulverulent metallic 
copper, after which the action of the battery declines. 
Now the efficiency of sulphate and copper furnishing 
oxide of copper to undergo decomposition in place of 
water is equally considerable in the final result when 
it forms only that part of the solution next to the 
copper cylinder. Therefore the interposition of a 
porous cell (unglazed earthenware), between the zinc 
and copper; two cells are'provided, the outer one of 
which may be filled with a solution of sulphate of 
copper, while the inner one holds a solution of Glau- 
ber's salt (sulphate of soda,) or even common cooking 
salt. By this provision the zinc does not become 
coated by the oxide of copper, though sufficient of the 
copper solution impregnates the salt solution so as to 
necessitate an occasional cleaning of the zinc plate. 

To raise the galvanic power of this battery, dilute 
sulphuric acid may be used to fill the porous cell, but 
in this case the zinc must be amalgamated with 
quicksilver, as otherwise the corrosive nature of 
the acid might soon consume the zinc rod. An- 
other good idea which gives additional credit to the 
manufacturer is the provision of a lip to the outer cell 
(copper cylinder), which is used" to add fresh crystals 



73 

of sulphate of copper to reanimate the solution when 
it has partly lost its strength. 

The manner of using the protected sulphate of 
copper battery for gilding, silvering, etc , being exactly 
the same than the single sulphate of copper battery 
we will therefore not intrude any longer upon the 
patience of the reader and shall now proceed to* 
the third chapter. 



CHAPTER III. 

The Combined protected Svlphate of Copper Battery. 

This apparatus is the product of a later period and 
shows materia] improvements, as for shape and power, 
and is in our impartial opinion by far the best of the 
two already mentioned. 

This instrument presents, in its vertical section, two 
copper cylinders like the single sulphate of copper 
battery, between which the zinc cylinder enveloped 
in a porous cell made of leather is placed. The main 
difference is apparent by the plan of using two copper 
cylinders forming one solid piece, and a zinc plate 
enveloped in a leather cell. The inventor probably 
labored under the impression that porous cellsof earth- 
enware are of too fragile a nature and could, when 
the battery is very capacious, not easily be obtained 
and therefore suggested this alteration, an idea which 
we cheerfully share with him. 

According to the principle of this battery, both sur- 
faces of the zinc are opposed to the corresponding sur- 
faces of the copper cylinders. Other membranous or 
porous subslances, such as thick brown paper or blad- 
der, might answer the same purpose in preventing the 



JEWELER S HAND-BOOK. 



75 



ready admixture of the solutions and allowing a free 
passage to the electrical current, but the insertion of 
a ready made leather bag comes handier, as the same 
is made of such material to vouchsafe durability, which 
quality would seem problematical by the use of paper 
or leather. 

The action within this class of battery is as follows: 
The zinc is oxidized as usual by the water of the so- 
lution surrounding it, while the hydrogen, instead of 
being given off at the surface of the negative plate, as 
in most batteries, decomposes the sulphate of copper, 
forming water with oxygen of the oxide of copper and 
setting free the sulphuric acid which passes through 
the porous partition iuto the other cell. A gradual 
and steady supply of acid is thus furnished to dissolve 
the constantly forming of oxide of zinc. 

The combined sulphate of copper battery is a con- 
stant chain, from the fact that it will maintain a nearly 
unvarying power for several days in succession, if the 
solution of sulphate of copper is kept well concentra- 
ted by occasionally adding small portions of the 
pulverized salt and stirring the liquid to make it 
of uniform strength. With weaker solutions or a 
Itss permeable partition, an action of sufficient 
energy for many purposes may be sustained for a 
week or more; when it declines it may be renewed by 
cleaning the zinc plate and removing any loose depo- 
sit from the cells. This constancy of action renders 
this battery of great value, in the electrotyping pro- 



76 jeweler's hand-book. 

cess, which process, however, does not come within 
our limits. The deposition of metallic copper on the 
negative plate is the principal inconvenience attend- 
ing it; this deposit sometimes adheres so firmly as to 
be difficult of removal, which, however, is only neces- 
sary when it interferes mechanically with working of 
the battery. 

The method of working this battery is exactly the 
same than all the foregoing, and need no further com- 
mend as to rules of proceedings. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Up to this time we described batteries composed of 
copper and zinc in their various and different styles, 
and now we take occasion to delineate such galvanic 
elements which entirely differ from any of those al- 
ready spoken of. It has been the original idea that a 
galvanic column must consist necessarily of zinc and 
copper to create electricity, but this theory has like- 
wise been overthrown, as we shall show by the con- 
struction of 

Grove's Battery. 

This battery consists of zinc and platinum, and is, 
according to the testimony of thousands, the most pow- 
erful in existence. The metal platinum used in this 
case, as it is the least oxidizable of the metals and 
therefore capable of producing a more powerful cur- 
rent with zinc than any other. The sulphate of cop- 
per batteries which have been spoken of, have been 
sometimes called hydrogen-consuming batteries, be- 
cause they provide a chemical agent, oxide of copper, 
with which the hydrogen produced in the first instance 
by the decomposition of water unites to form water 
again, thus separating copper from its oxide in the 



78 

metallic form. The only chemical affinity which has 
to be overcome, in this battery, is that of oxygen of 
copper. Its force may be stated as equal to the affinity 
of oxygen for zinc, minus the affinity of oxygen for 
copper. 

In Grove's battery, which we are going to describe, 
another important step towards perfection has been 
made, and the advantage deriving therefrom fully 
gained. The electro-negative metal, as in Smee's, is 
platinum, which, from the condensed form of the bat- 
tery, can be used without too great expense. Instead 
of sulphate of copper, strong nitric acid is employed 
for the purpose of furnishing oxygen to the hydrogen, 
with the following advantage: nitric acid consists of 
five equivalents of oxygen and one of nitrogen. The 
fifth equivalent of oxygen is held by a very slight af- 
finity, many chemical agents sufficing to reduce the 
nitric acid to nitrous acid, which has one equivalent 
less. The increase of power in Grove's battery over 
the sulphate of copper battery, for the same amount of 
of zinc dissolved, is equal to the difference of affinity 
between oxygen for nitrous acid and oxygen of copper. 
The power of Grove's battery is, therefore, equal to 
the affinity of oxygen for zinc, minus the affinity of 
oxygen for nitrous acid. 

It must also be considered that the energy of an 
electro galvanic arrangement depends, to some extent, 
upon the difference in the affinity for oxygen of the 
metals employed, which, in the case of platinum and 



97 

zinc, is at a maximum. The zinc plates must neces- 
sarily be amalgamated to guard them against corrosion. 
The battery is worked by two fluids; the one within 
the porous cell and in contact with the platinum being 
strong nitric acid, and the other, which surrounds the 
zinc, being sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) diluted with 
ten or twelve parts of water. That this battery, in 
consideration of its small compass, is the most ener- 
getic in existence, we substantiate by the fact that this 
battery, exposing twenty square inches, w T as found, by 
its magnetizing power, to afford an electrical current 
of greater quantity than a sulphate of copper battery 
exposing two hundred and ten square inches of zinc. 
The intensity of the current in Grove's battery is also 
considered three times as strong as in the latter and 
probably four times as great as in Smee's. The same 
platinum and zinc of a Grove's battery being used as 
a Smee's (both metals under the attack of dilute sul- 
phuric acid), gave less than a fifth of the current in 
magnetizing power. Grove's battery is also exceed- 
ingly constant and will, when the same is composed 
of four pairs, absorb an ounce of gold in cyanide in 
twenty-four hours. 

The disadvantages arising by the use of this battery 
are, first, the strength of the acids which are employed 
making it disagreeable and unsafe to a careless expe- 
rimenter; and, secondly, the red fumes of nitrous acid 
which it gives off abundantly w r hile in action. These 
are irreparable and injurious to a nice apparatus which 



80 

may be exposed to thera. By placing a metallic cover- 
ing (protected from the acid fumes) over the bat- 
tery, and allowing the gases to escape through an ori- 
fice stuffed with cotton, wet with a little alcohol, this 
may be, to some extent, neutralized. 

It should always be remarked that the quantity of 
electricity produced is, in all these batteries, propor- 
tionate to the quantity of zinc dissolved, and where a 
small surface of zinc gives a large current it is acted 
upon with greater rigidity. The intensity of the cur- 
rent produced in these forms depends upon the chemi- 
cal affinities which are concerned; and on this account 
there is a gain in the sulphate of copper battery over 
Smee's and a still greater in Grove's. 

Having now sufficiently explained the advantages 
of this battery, we proceed now to define its construc- 
tion. The containing vessel is glass about four inches 
high; within this a thick cylinder of amalgamated 
zinc standing on short legs and divided by a longitu- 
dinal opening on one side, in order to allow the acid 
to circulate freely. Inside of the zinc cylinder is a 
porous cell of unglazed porcelain, containing the ni- 
tric acid and a strip of platinum. The platinum is 
supported by a strip of brass, fixed by a thumb-screw 
and an insulating piece of ivory, to the arm projecting 
from the zinc cylinder. The amalgamated zinc is not 
acted upon by the dilute sulphuric acid until the cir- 
cuit of the battery is complete, but a small portion of 
the nitric acid filters through the porous cell, by which 



jeweler's hand-book. 81 

the zinc would be readily attacked. It is, therefore, 
advisable to remove it from the acid when the battery 
is out of action for any length of time. A series of 
twelve pairs of Grove's batteries is of very considera- 
ble importance, and is now extensively used for pur- 
poses requiring a constant galvanic current of great 
quantity and intensity. In this compound battery each 
strip of platinum, except the terminal one, is soldered 
directly to the arm projecting from the adjoining zinc 
plate. The terminal strip, with its screw-cup, is sup- 
ported by the first zinc plate, but is insulated from it. 
This galvanic agent is in almost all cases resorted to 
for the magnetic telegraph. For chemical and illus- 
trative experiments requiring a current of great power, 
this has now, to a considerable extent, superseded the 
older form of consecutive plates. It was stated that 
Grove's battery may be considered as having three 
times the intensity of the sulphate and copper battery.. 
A series of twelve pairs, therefore, would be as pow- 
erful as thirty-six pairs of the latter, and more so than 
the same number of pairs in which only sulphuric acid 
is employed. 

We trust we have given a complete outline of 
Grove's battery together with its action and decompo- 
sing power, and beg now to inform our reader how to< 
use it practically. 

For gilding, we propose two of Grove's batteries as 
sufficient in most cases, and how they are to be con- 
nected, we shall further show now. We fill into the 
8 






82 



jeweler's hand-book. 



two glasses one half ounce of sulphuric acid and about 
four ounces of water, which raises this liquid to about 
three-fourths of the size of the glass itself, and the 
same is getting gradually warmer, as the water and 
acid decompose each other; then we place the zinc 
cylinder into this solution and let it rest for about two 
minutes, and then we pour upon the border of the cyl- 
inder eight ounces of quicksilver and pour the liquid 
with the quicksilver off and place the cylinder in ano- 
ther empty glass, and repeat the manipulations so 
often until the zinc shows a perfect silver covering, 
and is then to be considered as proof against corrosion. 
With the second cylinder we do the same. When both 
cylinders are so amalgamated, they are placed into the 
two glasses holding the aforesaid solution of sulphuric 
acid and water, but to such an extent as to fill the 
glasses half their size. Then we place into the cylin- 
drical cavity of the cylinders two porous cells and fill 
them with strong nitric acid, but take care that these 
two acids do not flow freely into each other. W T hen 
this is done, the platinum strip soldered to the arm of 
one of the cylinders is suspended into the porous cell 
of the zinc cylinder, which has to act as negative 
pole and has no platinum connection, and we fasten 
the insulated platinum strip connected with a screw- 
cup to the thumb-screw of cup being between the sol- 
dered platinum strip and the cylinder, so as to reach 
in the porous cells. All being so prepared the battery 
is ready for action, and to guide the current into the 



jeweler's hand-book. 83 

solution we attach a well nealed copper wire to the 
cup of the insulateil platinum strip, which here serves 
as the positive pole, and another well nealed wire, 
holding the article to be gilded, is attached to the 
screw-cup of zinc cylinder which only holds the po- 
rous cell, but no platinum. As soon as both wires are 
suspended into the respective solution a violent rising 
of bubbles round the negative wire will be perceptible 
and betokens the presence and action of the galvanic 
current. 

For gold solution best adapted to the action of this 
battery, will be the following composition: 

Dissolve a five dollar gold piece in nilro-muriatic 
acid (a mixture of one part nitric and four parts of 
muriatic acid), evaporating the salt very carefully, in 
order to drive off the excess of acid, and keep it over 
a slow heat until fully dry. This salt is then redis- 
solved with a sufficiency of cyanide of potassium to 
clear the solution, it requiring three-fourths of an 
ounce of the cyanide for this purpose. Enough water 
is then added to make two quarts. As a general rule, 
it requires more battery power for gold than for silver, 
but two batteries combined as aforesaid will fully suf- 
fice. The addition of a small quantity of cyanide of 
potassium to a solution diminishes the tendency to 
black deposits, where this is exhibited and where the 
fault is referable to the solution. But when this fault 
is found, the cyanide is already mixed wiih the chlo- 
ride of gold and can not be regained or reduced, and 



84 jeweler's hand-book. 

therefore we advise the operator to add in small por- 
tions of chrystalized soda, which neutralizes the action 
of the cyanide to a certain extent, so as to prevent 
any farther black or dark deposits. 

We take leave to repeat that it is absolutely neces- 
sary, that the surface on which a metal layer shall be 
deposited, should be perfectly clean and free from a 
film of air, that it may adhere, arid the metal should 
-be thrown down with sufficient energy to prevent any 
3ocal action with the mould. The article to be gilded 
or silvered may in some cases be cleaned by a solu- 
tion of potash; but the deposit is more certain to 
adhere if the surface is rubbed with a little rotten- 
stone, when first placed in the metallic solution, and 
connected with the battery. Whenever, during the 
process the deposit becomes discolored or rough, the 
negative plate should be taken out and brushed with 
a little whiting and water. The thickness of the 
coating of gold and silver is proportional to the time 
occupied by the deposition and the amount of elec- 
tricity which passes. 

For the same amount of electricity, thirty-two 
grains of copper, one hundred and eight grains of 
silver and ninety-nine grains of gold are deposited, 
these being the chemical equivalents of those metals. 

The salt of silver calculated for decomposition 
through the action of this battery is the ferrocyanide. 
A silver dollar is dissolved in one ounce of nitric acid 
and the silver then precipitated in the state of chloride 



85 

by muriatic acid or common salt. The precipitate is 
washed and then added to a sufficient quantity of a 
hot saturated solution of ferrocyanide of potassium 
(yellow prussiate of potash) to dissolve it. Sufficient 
water is then added to make two quarts. The solu- 
tion may be poured off from the sediment which 
remains or it maybe used at once. It must be remem- 
bered that the salt employed contains cyanogen, the 
active principle of prussic acid. Prussic acid itself 
and oxygen are evolved at the positive pole during 
the decomposition. 

A solution of cyanide of silver may also be used, 
which is obtained, by dissolving the precipitate of 
chloride of silver, mentioned above in cyanide of 
potassium instead of ferrocyanide; in this case the solu- 
tion of cyanide of potassium need not be so strong or 
be raised above the common temperature. Only 
sufficient of the cyanide of potassium need be added 
to take up all the chloride of silver. 



CHAPTER V. 

To conclude the series of our different batteries we 
can not omit to mention finally the construction and 
action of 

Smee's battery. 

to complete the number of batteries used for gilding, 
silvering, etc. 

Although we have subjected this battery to several 
trials, we can not but praise its excellent action, but 
do, however not urge its adoption. This apparatus 
offers one convenience, that owing to its principle 
only one exciting fluid is necessary to create a gal- 
vanic constant current, which is very well adapted for 
all other purposes, except producing a nice, good 
golden color. Also the use of such a battery exhausts 
the solution, as, instead of a strip of gold, a foil of 
platinum is used as anode, which metal does not dis- 
solve under the action of a galvanic battery, when used 
as positive pole. For electro-etching and electro- 
typing (copying seals, moulds, daguerreotypes, etc.) a 
better instrument could not be found. 

The Smee's battery consists of a glass tumbler or 
other receiving vessel, on which a little frame rests, 
supporting the apparatus within. The metals em- 
ployed are platinum and zinc. The original battery 



jeweler's hand-book. S7 

of Smee consisted of zinc, and silver covered with 
a film of platinum; but the metal platinum itself is 
found so much superior to the platinized silver and 
the difference in the expense so slight that it has 
been substituted. The metal platinum is used in 
this case, as it is the least oxidizable of the metals, 
and therefore capable of producing a more powerful 
current with zinc than any other. On the frame two 
screw cups are inserted for the attachment of wires 
by which the current may be conveyed in any direc- 
tion. One of these screw cups communicates with a 
strip of platinum foil, which is suspended between 
two zinc plates, both of the surfaces of the platinum 
being opposed to the zinc. The amount of galvanic 
action is generally in proportion to the metallic 
surfaces of different kinds to each other, and also in 
proportion to the nearness of these surfaces. The 
other screw cups is connected with both the zinc 
plates, thus uniting them into a single element of the 
pair. 

The screw cup connected with the platinum is in- 
sulated from the metallic frame which supports it, by 
rosewood; and a thumb screw seen at the left, con- 
fines or releases the zinc plates, so that they can be 
renewed from time to time. 

The liquid used to excite the battery is sulphuric 
acid (oil of vitriol), diluted with ten or twelve parts of 
water by measure. This acid acts on common zinc 
when the galvanic circuit is not established, and a 
great loss would therefore ensue from corrosion of 



83 jeweler's hand-boof # 

the plates during the interval of experiments, even if 
the zinc was withdrawn from the acid whenever 
practicable. To remedy this defect, it has been found 
that zinc, which has its surface amalgamated (or 
covered with mercury), withstands the action of 
dilute sulphuric acid, unless it is in galvanic con- 
nection with another metal; and accordingly the zinc 
of this battery and of other batteries in which acid is 
used, is commonly amalgamated. It then remains 
almost uncorroded until the galvanic circuit is com- 
pleted by making contact between the wires, when 
the zinc is immediately attacked. The amalgamation 
of the zinc is easily effected by rubbing it with a little 
murcury and muriatic acid at the same time. This 
battery when once in action is very constant. It does 
not, however, like the batteries of Grove and others, 
arrive instantly at its highest rate of action when the 
circuit is completed, but takes an appreciable time to 
reach this point, and it is not therefore fitted for use 
with apparatus where the circuit is rapidly broken 
and renewed. No adequate increase of power is 
obtained by adding to the size of this battery. 

In order to understand some of the phenomena 
which are to be spoken of hereafter, it is necessary to 
notice what takes place when the circuit is completed 
and the galvanic current begins to flow. The first 
thing which is observed is a rapid evolution of gas in 
bubbles from the platinum plate. It was stated elec- 
tricity was supposed to pass through the liquid be» 
tween the plates in a direction from the zinc to th© 



jeweler's hand-book. 89 

copper or platinum. This passage of electricity 
through fluids, which are not themselves elementary, 
is attended always, according to Farraday, with de- 
composition, whether the fluid is between the plates 
of the battery or interposed in the course of the wires 
or poles leading from it. Thus, where a battery is 
excited simply by water, that fluid is decomposed; its 
oxygen attacks the zinc, and its hydrogen is given off 
in contact with the electro-negative metal. 

In Smee's battery, the water of the acid solution 
may also be considered as undergoing decomposition, 
one atom of its oxygen uniting with one atom of zinc, 
in order to enable the sulphuric acid to unite with the 
resulting oxide of zinc, and the corresponding atom 
of hydrogen being given off in cont?ct with the plati- 
num. It will be observed that the oxygen and hydro- 
gen appear at the opposite sides of the fluids under- 
going decomposition. It is not, however, believed 
that these elements travel through the intervening dis- 
tance, but that the two atoms of water in contact with 
the plates are simultaneously decomposed, and that a 
chemical equilibrium is then established by a pro- 
gressive exchange of elements in all the intervening 
particles. The subject of electro-decomposition has 
already been spoken of and does not require further 
definition. 

The gas which is so plentifully disengaged at the 
surface of the platinum in this battery is apt to bring 
the strip into contact with the zinc, and thus cause a 



90 

discharge between the metals within the battery in- 
stead of through the poles without. To obviate this, 
the platinum is either confined in its proper position 
by some fixture at the bottom, or a head of glass is 
attached to it, which prevents its swinging against 
the zinc. 

Another form of Smee's battery is the so called 
" Odds and Ends," a new and improved variety. In 
this battery a new principle is introduced, as the in- 
ventor proposes the deposition of a small portion of 
mercury at the bottom of the glass vessel containing the 
odds and ends. A platinum plate is suspended in the 
centre, beneath one of the screw-cups. One or more 
zinc plates rest against the sides of the vessel, not being 
held any where, and are in contact with the mercury 
below. A curved wire descends through the liquid, 
insulated by a glass tube, to the mercury, which it 
connects, in common with zinc, with the plate on the 
top and the other screw-cup. This battery will ope- 
rate if single scraps of zinc are placed in the mercury. 
The mould in the depositing cell is connected with the 
zinc or negative pole of the battery. 

During the dissolution of the positive plate, a con- 
siderable quantity of black matter is left, most carbon, 
which would injure the copy (in case electrotyping is 
just done) if allowed to fall on the mould. It is, 
therefore, best to place both in a vertical position, the 
fare of the mould being opposite the piece of copper. 
The solution must be stirred occasionally, to keep its 
upper and lower parts of equal strength. 



jeweler's hand-book. 91 

When the process is going on weft, the deposited 
metal will be of a very light copper color. The rapidity 
of the deposition depends greatly upon the tempera* 
ture; the process proceeds much faster in warm wea- 
ther than in cold, and much more so, if the solution be 
kept hot. A thickness of a tenth of an inch may re- 
quire from three days to a week for its formation, 
when artificial heat is not used. When a sufficent 
thickness has been attained, the cups may generally 
be removed from the mould without difficulty; care 
being taken to cut away any copper which embraces 
the mould at the edges. 

The odds and ends are most used to fell copper, to 
copy moulds, and therefore every ounce of copper 
deposited requires the solution of somewhat more 
than an ounce of zinc from the zinc plate of the 
battery. Five or six electrotypes may be made at 
once, without increasing the expense, by arranging 
in succession several vessels each containing a mould 
and a copper plate connected by a wire with the 
mould in the next one. 

The odds and ends used for gilding and silvering 
consist of from three to six or eight pairs, according 
to the extent of su.face to be covered and the resistance 
offered by the solution. As the solutions grow older 
they require less power to decompese them; but there 
is then a greater tendency to black deposits. The 
positive pole usually employed is a platinum wire or 
pointed strip of platinum foil. This metal defies the 



92 

action of galvanic decomposition, and consequently the 
electro-negative element of the salt has to be evolved, 
instead of entering into a new combination. It is on 
this account that several pairs have no more efficiency 
in decomposing the solution than one pair, where the 
positive pole is soluble. The arrangement of three 
pairs is to bring the whole action more exclusively 
under the control of the battery and to avoid local 
contact. For ordinary purposes, Smee's battery 
weakly charged, is in a great measure preferable, 
because a constant and steady current is prevailing. 

Another variation in the odds and ends is a pro- 
tecting cover to prevent the escape of hydrogen and 
guarding against inhalation of the acidulated vapors 
and fumes. 

Another form of Smee ? s batteries for silvering is to 
remove the porous cell of Grove's battery. The plar 
tinum plates are attached to little arches of wire, 
which enter small holes in the zinc, into which they 
may be wedged or from which they may be removed 
at pleasure. Opposed to the article to be silvered we 
place a piece of silver foil connected with a wire to 
the positive (platinum) pole, which is dissolved in 
proportion as silver is deposited on the article. A 
very pure coating of silver is thus given to the article 
and the solution kept on the same scale of concentra- 
tion. 

A series of such batteries in the reformed shape is 
used 4 o effect the deposition of alloys by the galvanic 



93 

current. If two metals are contained in a solution, 
the general law is, that the one most easily reduced 
by the electrical process will be deposited first and in 
a state almost absolutely pure. If the energy of the cur- 
rent, however, is very much increased, all the metals 
present will go down in variable proportion. Thus, 
if there is a little silver in the gold solution, a feeble 
current will throw down the silver first; if there is 
copper present, and no silver, a feeble current will 
throw down a pure yellow deposit of gold, while a 
stronger one will throw down a reddish metal resem- 
bling the gold of jewelers and of the mint. 

We think now of having described the most promi- 
nent features of the different forms of Smee's and other 
batteries, as far as they come within the limits of 
electro gilding, silvering and coppering and beg now 
to say before concluding the series of accounts relative 
to combined batteries, that we would advise everyone 
of our readers who should desire to try either of our 
foregoing galvanic batteries, not to trust too much to 
those which he has to manufacture himself, and rather 
patronize manufacturers who warrant their goods. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Coloring of Gold. 
(Galvanic Alloy.) 

The refined taste of the public made a variety of 
colors requisite, as for instance, the high golden color 
of Filigree would hardly be applicable to solid ar- 
ticles (watch cases for instance) nor would the color 
of chains if applied to rings or table sets be in com- 
pliance with the demands of the market. 

In order to obtain a certain alloy to a gilded surface 
we have devoted a good portion of time to this desir- 
able object, and how far we have succeeded we sub- 
mit to the decision of the kind reader. 

For this purpose we have made gold, silver and 
copper solutions all of which contained a surplus of 
cyanide with doubly the quantity of water we usually 
administer. 

We took to half a pint of gold solution one-eighth 
of a pint of copper solution and found the deposit of 
gold equal to twenty -four carats standard or reddish 
yellow suitable for Filigree work, and an addition of 
one-eighth of a pint copper solution produced a good 
eighteen carats color still slightly reddish yellow. 



95 

A mixture of half a pint gold, one-eighth silver and 
one-sixteenth of a pint copper produced a sixteen 
carats color but greenish yellow and the composition 
of half a pint gold and one-fourth pint silver (copper 
entirely omitted) showed a fourteen carats color, rather 
white yellow. This is one way to alloy by mixing 
solutions. 

Another method to effect a different color would be 
to add to two dwts. fine gold, six grains pure copper 
(best dial copper) at the dissolution, this composition 
raises the gold to the highest color for fancy gilding ; 
an addition of so much pure silver dissolved with the 
gold will bring the color of California gold (slightly 
green). 



APPENDIX. 

To Regain the Gold or Silver from Solutions. 

We were often struck with the idea how to regain 
our previously dissolved metals and are happy to say 
that we can conclude our book by instructing our 
patrons by two well tried methods fo accomplish this 
object. 

We added muriatic acid in small portions to a sil- 
ver solution until all silver chloride was precipitated 
and a violent rising of prussic acid was produced 
until this solution has discharged all its metallic con- 
tents, and it would be advisable to perform this ope- 
ration either under the open sky or in a room where 
a good current of air is prevailing. 

The liquid must be stirred to facilitate the precipi- 
tation and the operator should take good care not to 
hold his face too close to the vessel as the evaporation 
of the prussic acid might produce very injurious con- 
sequences. 

As soon as the silver has been felled, the same must 
be filtered, dried and reduced to silver in a cruci- 
ble, glazed with borax and potash. 



jeweler's hand-book. 97 

This is one method of recovery, but another offering 
less inconvenience is the following: 

All the liquid of the gold or silver solution is 
evaporated over a moderate fire and the dry remnants 
are now molten in a crucible adding saltpetre in 
small quantities to reduce the prevailing cyanide into 
carbonate of soda, and saltpetre must be added as long, 
as foaming is perciptible. 

This substance when entirely cold must be washed 
to free it of its acidulated coat, and shows then the 
regulus of the gold or silver or the finest parts of those 
metals in a solid piece, fully qualified to serve as ma- 
terial for the finest work. 

The last and best method we are going to offer now: 

We term it therefore the best method as no danger 
is to be incurred, no melting or refining is necessary 
and our gold and silver comes back without losing a 
particle of the same, a case which can not be avoided 
by the other process. We therefore propose a gal- 
vanic operation and warrant the issue. 

We simply take our battery, fix to the zinc end a 
piece of gold and to the copper end a piece of platina, 
(a metal which does not dissolve by the action of the 
cyanide) and by this means every particle of gold 
will be deposited upon the gold piece and conse- 
quently augment its weight; when the rising of bub- 
bles has ceased the solution has discharged all its 
metallic contents. We provide, however, that the 
elements were in working order then an interruption 



98 

of electricity and consequently the cessation of the 
rising bubbles may derive from inefficient stimulating 
material such as used up vitriol and copper, and tur- 
bid salt water. 

A dwt. of gold was dissolved under our direction 
and transferred into a solution. 

We suspended a silver strip weighing six dwts. to 
the zinc pole (negative pole), and in about seventy- 
two minutes the electric life seemed extinct, and the 
elements yet in good order. 

We weighed this strip and found it to weigh six 
dwts. and twenty-three grains; the balance must have 
been lost by evaporating the acids. 

A further striking proof in favor of our proposition 
is the following experiment: 

We rolled the above silver strip out in four pieces 
and boiled them in nitric acid as soon as all silver was 
dissolved from the gold; we weighed our gold strips 
and found them to weigh twenty-three grains. 

We brought these strips under the hammer and beat 
them out like gold leaves, and finding in them all the 
qualities of fine gold. 

We therefore conclude this chapter by intimating 
to the reader, that the galvanic agent has every quali- 
fication to substitute fairly the old school practice of 
fire plating, and the galvanic gilder has the great ad- 
vantage of producing a good galvanic plate of a bet- 
ter appearance than the fireplater at a saving of at 
least five hundred per cent, and he can deposit his 



99 

gold in such places as the fireplater can not reach. 
He can not lose any of the precious metal, as we have 
provided the means of recovering the same, an advan- 
tage totally lost to the fireplater. 

And, finally, his health is safe, while the fireplater 
falls the victim of the very injurious vapors of the 
quicksilver. 

In case the operator should feel inclined to regain 
the gold or silver already deposited upon goods, we 
propose a very simple way of accomplishing that pur- 
pose; we fasten the already galvanized goods to the 
copper pole end wire (positive pole) and the gold or 
silver strip to the zinc pole end wire (negative pole), 
and in a very few minutes the gold or silver so inti- 
mately connected with the goods will be found trans- 
ferred to the gold or silver strip, after which operation 
the goods will show their original metal. 



CONCLUSION. 

We have endeavored to be as explicit as possible, 
to guard our readers, who should be willing to follow 
our methods, aganst any kind of misshape. 

But it must be admitted that every chemical opera- 
tion, if ever so clearly demonstrated, will show some 
slight deviation in the course of operation. 

Therefore, we deem ourselves justified in recapitu- 
lating the most indispensable rules of proceeding. 

Firstly — Clean the articles to be galvanized most 
scrupulously. 

Secondly — Fasten the articles to be galvanized 
tight to the zinc pole end and take good care that the 
conducting wires are bright. 

Thirdly — When the first golden or silver hue is per- 
ceptible take the article out and clean it. 

Fourthly — Should the article show a black or brown 
color take it immediately out and clean it. 

Fifthly — Prevent any contact between the anode 
and kathode, and 

Sixthly — Work always with wet fingers and clean 
water, as cleanliness of the article and cleanliness of 
the fingers will certainly contribute towards a desired 
result. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 






102 



<$kfa-^altamt § attorn 



The subscriber (author of the Jeweler's Hand-Book) respect* 
fully informs the public that he is fully prepared to furnish 

ELECTRO-GALVANIC BATTERIES 

of all kinds, and in every shape and form, having been entrusted 
with the commission sale of 



made by the best manufacturers of America and Europe. These 
Batteries will range from $1 to $15, according to number and 
size, and a 

WRITTEN GUARANTY 

will be given to every apparatus vouchsafing its performance as 
represented, together with a most minute prescription to work 
the same successfully. 

Solutions containing Gold, Silver, etc* 

kept for sale and prepared to order, and sent to any part of the 
United States. 

A large stock of all the materials requisite for the preparation 
of solutions, at the disposal of the trade. 

All orders punctually attended to by addressing 

Prof. RUDOLPH HERR, 
530 BROADWAY, ALBANY, N. Y. 

N. B. Prof. H. will personally attend to all persons wishing 
information as regards Practical Plating. 



103 

BARD & WILSON, 

MANUFACTURERS OF 
SUPERIOR 



f 9 

N. E. Cor. Market and Third Streets, 

PHILADELPHIA. 

S. M. MAGNUS, 

IMPORTER AND JOBBER OF 

FINE GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES, 

RICH JEWELRY, CLOCKS, 

Silver Ware, Watch Materials, 

WATCH GLASSES, &c, 

No. 368 Broadway, Albany, N. T. 

N. R. The trade supplied at New York prices. 

MYERS & CO., 

IMPORTERS OF 



3 



CRYSTALS, TOOLS, &C, 

No. 38 Rochester Street, 

BOSTON. 



104 

PALMER, RICHARDSON & CO., 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

FINE GOLD, JEWELRY, CHAINS, &(!., 

No. 23 Maiden Lane, 

NEW YORK. 
PLATT & BROTHER, 

IMPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF 

IWclp, Jewclri) attir /oner) ©aate, 

No. 20 MAIDEN LANE, 

NEW YORK. 

JOHN G. DAVISOIV, 

IMPORTER OF 

WATCHES, JEWELRY, 
Watch Makers' Tools and Materials, 

No, 12 MAIDEN LANE, 
NEW YORK. 

BALL, BLACK & CO., 

MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS OF 

SHwr ait& flaM Hare, §hmnh, 

WATCHES, JEWELRY, &C, 

WO. 247 BROADWAY, 

NEW YORK. 



105 

I. EUGENE ROBERT, 

IMPORTER OF 

WATCHES, 

NO. 15 JOHN STREET. 

NEW YORK. 

Duplex, Eight Day, Straight Line Escapement, Independent 
Second, Double Time, Magic Case, Ladies, Enameled, and all 
kinds of Swiss Watches. 

M. GOLDBACHER, 

MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER OF 

OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS, 

No. 98 Fulton Street, 
NEW YORK. 

N. B. The trade supplied with Spectacles, Eye Glasses, and 
all other articles appertaining to the Optical Line. 
10 



106 

SIEBENMANN & BOREL, 



IMPORTERS OF 



Mil! IW0, 



1 

l'OOLS AND FILES, 

MANUFACTURERS OP 



fV 



No. 15 JOHN STREET, NEW YORK, 

Invite the attention of Jewelers, Chasers, Watch and Chrono- 
meter Makers, Watch Case Manufacturers, Architects, Engineers, 
and Draughtsmen, to their extensive and fine assortment of 

WATCH MATERIALS, TOOLS & FILtiS, 

DRAWING INSTRUMENTS, 

Metal, Box, and Ivory Scales and Rules, 

DRAWING PENCILS and SQUARES, 

Triangles, Curves, &c. 

Of every description, superior style and workmanship. 
CCP* Dealers, and the public in general, are invited to call and 
«ee. 

N. B. They have also the Depot of 

J, R. Brown's U. S. Standard Rules. 



107 

SOHMITT & BROTHER, 
No. 5 North William Street, 

Corner of Frankfort, 

AND 

JVo. 77 West Third 8$., 

Between Walnut and Vine, 

CINCINNATI, 0. 
MANUFACTURERS OF ALL KINDS OF 

In Silver, Rose, and Satin Wood, Mahogany, Black Walnut, $c. 

Keep constantly on hand a large and good assortment of the 
above named articles. Orders promptly executed, at short notice. 
Silver Sashes for Show Windows, fitted up in the best style. Cigar 
Show Cases for Hotels, always on hand. 

CHr* Old Show Cases taken in exchange. 




L. G. BURGESS & CO , 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

iFOKfld ^MiP,^^ 

No. tO PLAIN STREET, 
ALBANY, N. T. 

N. B. Particular attention paid to the manufacture of College 
Badges, Military and Masonic Medals. 



108 






H. BIiATI¥ER *fc CO., 

IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALE DEALERS IN 

WATCHES, JEWELRY, CUTLERY, &C, 
No. 348 Broadway, 

ALBANY, N. Y. 




The subscriber wishes to inform his friends and the dental pro- 
fession throughout the United States, that he has succeeded in pro- 
ducing an article of chemically pure Tin Foil, which he warrants 
to be far superior to any other in use. Also a superior article of 
Gold Foil, and one of the best selected stocks of Teeth to be found 
in the United States, comprising all of the best manufacturers' 
instruments — and all articles in the dental line forwarded at the 
lowest cash prices, to any part of the United States, on the re- 
ceipt of cash. 

N. B —References to the best Dentist3 in the country can be 
given. 




£*K 






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